CARTILAGE AND IVORY: INDICATIONS AND CONTRAINDICATIONS FOR THEIR USE AS NASAL SUPPORT

Abstract

In previous papers dealing with the use of ivory implants in rhinoplasty I stressed the importance of the morphologic and chemical structures of this substance with reference to its tolerance by human tissues.¹ To my knowledge these were the first communications in the medical literature pertaining to the use of ivory in reconstructive surgery. During the eight years that have elapsed since the publication of these communications, I have continued to use ivory implants in selected cases, giving preference to cartilage grafts in most instances. Reports on this subject which have appeared in the medical literature in the last few years are far from uniform. Satisfactory end-results are claimed by a number of reliable observers,² while others point to the difficulties met with in shaping the implant or to infection following its introduction. The mere fact that ivory is not an autoplastic material seems to a