Technical Variations in the Management of the Medial Crural Reduction According to the Settlement of the Angulation Deformities Over Hypertrophic Lower Lateral Cartilages.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Medial crural (MC) overlay is reliable method used in tip deprojection. Most cases with lower lateral cartilage (LLC) hypertrophy present by variations of MC and dome shapes needing specific technical maneuvers. METHODS: Thirteen hundred fourteen primary rhinoplasties were performed between 2018 and 2021. Patients with LLC hypertrophy who underwent MC deprojection were analyzed. Three variations in LLC hypertrophy were recognized. In type I, tip-defining points (TDP) were localized at the median plane with no angulation deformities at the LLC, which was managed by horizontal cuts of the lobular segments 4 to 6 mm below the domes. The cut fragments overlapped for 2 to 5 mm. In type II, TDP was lateralized due to widened divergence angles at the columellalobular junctions, which were managed by horizontal cuts over columellalobular junctions. The cut fragments overlapped 4 to 6 mm. In type III, TDP was localized at the median plane, there were dense angulations at the medial genu, which was managed with symmetrical removal of 4 to 5 mm cartilage from lobular segments. The domes were sutured over the medial segments. RESULTS: Nineteen patients with LLC hypertrophy were included in the study among 314 patients. Twelve patients were female and 7 patients were male. The mean age was 32 years (25-42). Type I, II, and III LLC hypertrophies were detected in 10, 3, and 6 patients, respectively. A harmonious relationship between dorsum and tip and satisfactory tip stability was reached in all patients. CONCLUSIONS: By classification of variations of MC and domal shapes, LLC hypertrophies may be managed with proper technical maneuvers specific to each type.