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Fixation of Autologous Costochondral Grafts Using Polylactic and Polyglycolic Acid Miniplates

Christopher M. Long, MD; Stephen F. Conley, MD; Andre Kajdacsy-Balla, MD, PhD; Joseph E. Kerschner, MD

Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2001;127:570-575.

Objective  To examine the feasibility of a new method of laryngotracheal reconstruction (LTR) that uses a bioabsorbable plating system consisting of polylactic and polyglycolic acid and provides some advantages over currently used methods.

Design and Interventions  Anterior subglottic stenosis was created in 10 beagles that then underwent LTR using an autologous costochondral graft. External laryngotracheal framework and cartilage grafts were secured using a sheet and screws made from a copolymer composed of polylactic and polyglycolic acid. Animals were humanely killed at 40, 60, and 90 days, and specimens were submitted for pathological examination. Histologic analysis included evaluation for inflammatory reaction, polylactic and polyglycolic acid incorporation into cartilage, cartilage necrosis, cartilage remodeling, and graft epithelialization.

Results  All animals underwent LTR after creation of a subglottic stenosis without episodes of airway compromise. After LTR, all airways were returned to prestenosis diameter without significant complication, and all animals were immediately extubated after surgery without difficulty. After the animals were killed, distraction of the stenotic cricoid area was demonstrated in 100% of the cases. Significant necrosis was noted in 2 of 10 grafts grossly; however, histologic analysis demonstrated significant areas of viable cartilage, areas of cartilage remodeling, and good epithelialization despite graft necrosis. Complete epithelialization of grafts was noted in the other 8 specimens.

Conclusions  Using a canine model, we demonstrated a bioabsorbable plating system that offers an effective method for LTR. This model has the advantages of providing external support to the operated laryngeal and tracheal framework, elimination of the difficulties of suture placement, and potential future failure while offering rigid external fixation of a cartilage graft.

From the Departments of Otolaryngology and Communication Sciences (Drs Long, Conley, and Kerschner) and Pathology (Dr Kajdacsy-Balla), Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee.

Corresponding author: Joseph E. Kerschner, MD, Department of Otolaryngology and Communication Sciences, Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, 9000 W Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53226.

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