Importance of nasal septal cartilage perichondrium for septum strength mechanics: a cadaveric study.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the biomechanical qualities of the perichondrium and cartilage, and to determine the strength of the septal cartilage against bending forces. STUDY DESIGN: This paper describes an experimental cadaver study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The nasal septal cartilages of 14 fresh cadavers (8 hours postmortem) were excised from the cadavers and cut into two strips one with the perichondrium (group A) and one without perichondrium (group B). A bending test was then performed on the strips. RESULTS: The deflection of group A strips was larger than the deflection of group B strips. Flexural strength was also larger in group A strips compared to group B strips. The average modulus of elasticity was 122% higher in group A compared to group B. All conducted tests revealed statistically significant differences between groups. CONCLUSION: This study objectively shows that the perichondrium provides the cartilage with a 25% bending strength.