Biomechanical properties of the costal cartilage and its significance in the timing of ear reconstruction.
- Author:
Qing-Hua YANG
1
;
Hong-Xing ZHUANG
;
Yan-Jun ZENG
;
Bi-Yun GUO
;
Wan-Hou GUO
;
Xiang XIE
Author Information
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- MeSH: Adolescent; Adult; Age Factors; Cartilage; physiology; transplantation; Child; Child, Preschool; Ear Auricle; surgery; Female; Humans; Male; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures; methods; Ribs; physiology; transplantation; Stress, Mechanical; Young Adult
- From: Chinese Journal of Plastic Surgery 2008;24(2):104-107
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
OBJECTIVETo investigate the age-related change in biomechanical properties of the costal cartilage and its relevance to the timing of ear reconstruction with costal cartilage framework.
METHODSThe patients of 5 to 25 years old were divided into three groups according to their age. The biomechanical properties of costal cartilage harvested from these patients during ear reconstruction were tested, including stree-strain relationship, stress relaxation and creep, tensile strength. All the results were analyzed statistically.
RESULTSThe costal cartilage from children group had the best biomechanical properties, while the costal cartilage from the adolescent group had the worst. The difference had a statistically significance (P < 0.05).
CONCLUSIONSThe biomechanical properties of costal cartilage are age-related. So it is recommended that ear reconstruction with costal cartilage framework should be performed in childhood when the costal cartilage has the best biomechanical properties.
