Fixation of nasal bone grafts with interosseous wire: our technique

Background: The use of interosseous wire to fix bone grafts is well known. Herein, we describe a technique for fixation of an iliac crest bone graft for nasal augmentation, using a stainless steel wire. Method: A hole in the cancellous part of the graft guides the wire exactly into a groove in the cortical part, preventing slippage and ensuring rigid fixation. The wire is then threaded through a hollow spinal needle passed underneath the skin envelope; this avoids a dorsal incision and thus minimises scarring, reduces the risk of graft exposure and improves the aesthetic result. Results: This technique has two distinct advantages: prevention of wire slippage and avoidance of a dorsal nasal incision. Conclusion: The described method uses an interosseous wire for rigid bone graft fixation, without a dorsal incision. This prevents wire slippage; it also achieves a good cosmetic result by improving the nasal contour via a cantilever effect which raises the nasal tip.