Biocompatibility of high-density porous polyethylene covered with fascia lata in dorsal nasal augmentation-an experimental study in rabbits

Abstract

Ten New Zealand Albino rabbits were used in this study. A lateral incision was made on the nasal dorsum and a pocket formed in the subperiosteal plane to replace the implant. A fascia lata graft was obtained from the regio femoralis. High-density porous polyethylene (HDPP) was cut and covered with fascia lata. The material was positioned in the pocket formed on the nasal dorsum. Four months post-procedure, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed to evaluate the resorption of the material. Animals were then sacrificed and the nasal dorsum, including the graft material, was removed and subjected to macroscopic and histopathological examinations. All rabbits survived the 4-month period. MRI revealed that all the graft materials were intact; no sign of resorption was evident. Macroscopically, no rejection was observed. Histopathologic examination revealed that the HDPP remained intact on the nasal dorsum. HDPP covered with fascia can therefore be used for augmentation of the nasal dorsum. HDDP is easy to work with and will avoid the increased operative time and morbidity associated with autograft harvesting.