Lapping of Costal Cartilage Technique: A Key Step in Stabilizing and Reducing the Bulk of Costal Cartilage Used in Rhinoplasty

Abstract

Rhinoplasty is an art of not only achieving structural integrity of nasal form but also maintaining functional aspects of breathing. To achieve this, autograft, allograft, and synthetic materials are used as various components of nasal structure for augmentation or correction. 1,2 Despite various synthetic materials giving promising results and compatibility, cartilage grafting remains the most reliable method. East Asian populations have short, flat noses with weak, insufficient cartilage. 3 Therefore, costal cartilage is the best option for repair. Although costal cartilage is good for such cases, an adequate fixing technique will make it more reliable. In the present study, one of us (D.-H.J.) adapted a technique that is commonly used by carpenters to stabilize a joint without affecting the thickness of wooden blocks, termed half-lap joints.

Trussed structure using ‘LOCK’ technique septal reconstruction in contracted nose with severe septal deficiency. A retrospective review on 57 cases

“…The 'LOCK' technique was introduced by the author in his previous publication on rhinoplasty. 5 This simplified technique fixes the overlapped parts of the cartilages by chipping off half the thickness of each block akin fixed by the carpenter. The cartilages should be fashioned in a way that both fit snugly together at the meeting point.…”