Auricular cartilage regeneration on donor site defect with one-sided perichondrial cartilage graft in an experimental rabbit model

Auricular cartilage is considered the source for cartilage grafts with good esthetic results and is often used in augmentation rhinoplasty. Most revision procedures require grafting, and the auricular cartilage can be the source for secondary rhinoplasty. Due to limited donor locations, donor site optimization of graft material is very important. We aimed to evaluate the healing process from the donor site, including the regeneration of cartilage from the donor site in an experimental animal model. Six New Zealand white rabbits were used for the investigation of cartilage regeneration from donor defects with one-sided perichondrium. Cartilage defect measuring 0.5 × 3 cm was made in rabbit ears. Two trial groups with 12 ears in each group were formed (one-sided perichondrium vs without perichondrium). Macroscopic and microscopic evaluation examinations were performed at week 4. The gap and thickness of the donor defect were measured with a centimeter grinder for macroscopic evaluation. While macroscopic evaluation of wound thickness and the gap was not significant between groups (p = 1.00, p = 0.053, respectively), microscopic evaluation showed immature cartilage formation at week 4 of the donor defect with one-sided perichondrium (p = 0.004). The donor defect with one-sided perichondrium showed new cartilage formation within the area of the perichondrium. These findings showed the regeneration of cartilage was developed at the donor defects with one-sided perichondrium in the fourth week. Level of evidence: Not ratable