Rib cartilage harvesting in rhinoplasty procedures based on CT radiological data

Abstract Conclusion: In general, harvesting of costal cartilage from the seventh rib from the right side appears advisable for rhinoplasty procedures in male and female patients. The thickness of the soft tissue envelope anterior to the different ribs varies significantly, which demands an individual consideration in rhinoplasty procedures. Objectives: To clarify which of the sixth, seventh or eighth rib contains the maximum amount of cartilage and degree of calcification in relation to age, side, and gender. Methods: Digital 2 mm slices of spiral diagnostic thorax CT scans were used to measure costal cartilage sizes in a retrospective study. A total of 60 male and 60 female patients with normal findings were collected and stratified by age (range 16–70 years). Results: On both sides, the seventh rib was identified as the most cartilage-containing rib, independent of gender. The length of costal cartilage of the sixth and seventh rib was significantly related to age on both sides (p < 0.01). This finding did not reach statistical significance for the eighth rib, on either the right (p = 0.376) or the left side (p = 0.204). Calcification of the sixth and seventh rib, but not of the eighth rib, significantly increased with age. In general, calcification was not related to gender or one side.