Where Does Donor Rib Cartilage Come From?

Hi,

Most surgeons who use rib cartilage for rhinoplasty surgeon harvest live rib cartilage from the patient, some prefer irradiated rib from a cadaver. 

Though, in answer to your question, the original rib donor was Adam.  Good luck and be well.

Dr. P

There is cadaveric cartilage, (comes from a cadaver, or dead person).  This material is radiated to wipe out infectious agents and antibodies that might cause rejection.  

There is autologous cartilage,(from yourself).  This is harvested from the anterior side of your chest wall through an incision over your rib cage. 

Most surgeons prefer autologous as there is some concern about resorption of cadaveric bone over time.

Hi Anon6086,

Rib cartilage is an option for grafting in rhinoplasty surgery. The cartilage is trimmed and shaped to the needs of the specific patient. Two options exist for rib cartilage:  irradiated from cadaver, or your own rib. Many rhinoplasty surgeons who use rib grafts typically harvest it from the same patient during the rhinoplasty procedure. However, rib cartilage is one of several options for rhinoplasty grafting. Only after a comprehensive evaluation can a rhinoplasty specialist help determine appropriate options for you. Best of luck.

In general, donor rib cartilage is from a cadaver or someone who is deceased. It is treated either chemically or irradiated or both to make sure there is no risk of infection. Since there are no living cells, it is safe from any possible infection. I hope this information helps.

Rib cartilage can sometimes be used for rhinoplasty surgery. Usually this cartilage is harvested from the ribs of the person having the rhinoplasty. Occasionally, cadaveric cartilage can also be used. The cartilage does not come from other living donors like kidneys, for instance.

Donor rib cartilage is preferably taken from your rib when needed and is typically used for reconstruction of the dorsum (bridge) of the nose. Some surgeons will still occasionally use irradiated cartilage from a cadaver which reduces the likelihood of an allergic reaction as well as sterilizing the product.. However, there is controversy on the longevity and survival of these grafts.

The live donor cartilage is harvested from the 9th or 10th rib and inserted directly into the same patient. Irradiated rib cartilage comes from a cadaver bank after it has been thoroughly processed so as not to transmit any diseases.  

Donor rib cartilage which I presume is for a rhinoplasty to augment the dorsum of the  ose comes from a cadaver and is treated with radiation to kill all bacteria and potential viruses.

Using rib cartilage is sometimes necessary when performing rhinoplasty.  A common indication would be when total nasal reconstuction is required secondary to trauma or disease.  Autologous (your own) rib is harvested through a small incision on your chest wall at the time of surgery.  Another option is to use irradiated cadaver rib which is ordered prior to surgery.  However, opninion on the use of cadaver rib is mixed with some concern regarding long term resorption.

Regarding:  "Where Does Donor Rib Cartilage Come From?  Does donor rib cartilage come from a living donor or the deceased ?"

There are 2 sources of Rib Cartilage: AUTOLOGOUS (from YOUR rib cage) and from DONOR (a dead person who consented to benefit others by donating various parts of his/her body) to others.

Dr. Peter Aldea