The Use of Bone Dust to Correct the Open Roof Deformity in Rhinoplasty

Background: Hump removal frequently results in an open roof during rhinoplasty, which is conventionally closed with lateral osteotomies. However, if the patient has a narrow bony vault, lateral osteotomies are problematic. In this article, the author presents a new and practical approach to fix the open roof deformity. Methods: A total of 240 patients (female, n = 187; male, n = 53) were enrolled and operated on with the presented technique. This approach has four steps, as follows: complete submembranous dissection, preparation of spreader flaps, harvesting of bone dust from the bony hump, and placement of the bone dust. The patient's nasal dorsum was evaluated by ultrasonography. During the follow-up period, all patients were photographed postoperatively from standard views using a digital camera. Photographs were inspected by two independent plastic surgeons. A palpation test for the nasal dorsum was conducted by a senior surgeon to identify any irregularities. A rhinoplasty outcomes evaluation questionnaire was administered to all patients at a 1-year follow-up visit. Functional improvement was assessed with self-evaluation of nasal patency. The chi-square test was used for statistical analysis. Results: Of the 240 patients, 182 completed the 1-year follow-up period and rhinoplasty outcomes evaluation questionnaire. Thirty-seven patients were evaluated by ultrasonography at 1 year postoperatively. During the follow-up period, no resorption or displacement was detected. High patient satisfaction was achieved, and no complications were encountered. Conclusion: The presented four-step surgical concept was useful for rhinoplasty surgeons to successfully manage open roof deformity in selected patients.