The Effect of Spreader Graft in Rhinoplasty

Abstract

Spreader grafts was first described by sheen in 1984 as a method of reconstructing the internal nasal valve and/or recontouring the aesthetic appearance of the nasal dorsum in cases of primary and secondary rhinoplasty. One of the most important anatomical concerns when discussing the subject of the spreader grafts in rhinoplasty is the internal nasal valve which significantly regulates nasal airflow and resistance and it’s the major flow-resistive segment of the airway, contributing about half of all resistance. Before thinking to use the spreader grafts in any case of rhinoplasty a detailed assessment of the nasal esthetics as well as the function should be carried out. This can be done through a series of methods from the history taking, external nasal examination to multiple assessing tools such as the radiologic studies, endoscopic examination, rhinomanometry and acoustic rhinometry. Several grafting sources are described, however the most utilized graft source for the spreader graft is the septal cartilage. This could be difficult in cases of revision rhinoplasty where the septal cartilage might be deficient