Study of the Biomechanical and Histological Properties of Septal, Auricular, and Costal Cartilage in the Context of Optimizing Total Nasal Reconstruction

Current state of knowledge on the biomechanical properties of human nasal cartilage - implications for tissue engineering and reconstructive surgery

1. Introduction and clinical context Nasal defects, whether of traumatic, tumoral, dermatological, or congenital origin, constitute a major disfigurement with significant physical and psychosocial repercussions. Nasal reconstruction traditionally relies on autologous grafts - septal, auricular, or costal cartilage - but this approach is limited by donor site morbidity, tissue availability, and the risk of graft failure. Existing alloplastic materials (silicone, Gore-Tex, Medpor high-density polyethylene) exhibit high rates of extrusion and infection, primarily due to mechanical incompatibility with the native tissue. The development of tissue-engineered substitutes thus constitutes a response to an unmet clinical need, provided that precise biomechanical data on the tissues to be replaced are available.
2. Structure and Histology of Cartilages Used in Nasal Reconstruction 2.1 Nasal Cartilage

The nose is composed of three main cartilages:

The septal cartilage: the central supporting structure of the entire nasal pyramid, directly adjacent to the nasal bones posteriorly. It includes the quadrangular cartilage anteriorly and the vomer elements posteriorly.

The alar cartilages (medial and lateral): mobile structures ensuring the patency of the nasal openings and maintaining the tip of the nose. The superior lateral cartilages: constituting the middle third of the nasal pyramid, and contributing to the stability of the dorsum.