Clinical outcomes of rib graft use in rhinoplasty: a meta-analysis

Abstract Background Rib cartilage rhinoplasty has emerged as a preferred surgical approach for complex nasal reconstructions due to its structural integrity, versatility, and long-term stability. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluates the complication rates and patient satisfaction outco...

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Main Authors: Qian Wang, Jing Liu, Zhixing Chen
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2025-07-01
Series:BMC Surgery
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s12893-025-03022-4
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author Qian Wang
Jing Liu
Zhixing Chen
author_facet Qian Wang
Jing Liu
Zhixing Chen
author_sort Qian Wang
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Background Rib cartilage rhinoplasty has emerged as a preferred surgical approach for complex nasal reconstructions due to its structural integrity, versatility, and long-term stability. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluates the complication rates and patient satisfaction outcomes associated with rib cartilage rhinoplasty to provide a comprehensive assessment of its safety and efficacy. Methods A systematic search was conducted across PubMed, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Library to identify relevant studies. Inclusion criteria were original studies reporting complication rates or patient satisfaction following rib cartilage rhinoplasty with a minimum follow-up of six months. Data synthesis was performed using a random-effects model, and heterogeneity was assessed using the I² statistic. Forest plots and funnel plots were generated to summarize findings and evaluate publication bias. Results A total of six studies were included, comprising 888 patients. The pooled complication rate was 7% (95% CI: 5–9%) under the fixed-effects model and 8% (95% CI: 3–20%) under the random-effects model, with substantial heterogeneity (I² = 79.3%, p = 0.0002). Complications were predominantly minor, including infection, warping, and graft displacement. Patient satisfaction rates were consistently high, with a pooled proportion of 92% (95% CI: 90–94%) under the fixed-effects model and 89% (95% CI: 60–98%) under the random-effects model. Significant heterogeneity was observed (I² = 86%, p < 0.0001). Funnel plots indicated potential publication bias, particularly in studies reporting patient satisfaction. Conclusions Rib cartilage rhinoplasty demonstrates a favorable safety profile and high patient satisfaction, making it a reliable option for complex nasal reconstructions. The low complication rates, combined with excellent aesthetic and functional outcomes, underscore the efficacy of this technique.
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spelling doaj-art-57b5cb61fbbb409a8c2b13fc96cfc04c2025-08-20T03:42:43ZengBMCBMC Surgery1471-24822025-07-0125111010.1186/s12893-025-03022-4Clinical outcomes of rib graft use in rhinoplasty: a meta-analysisQian Wang0Jing Liu1Zhixing ChenDepartment of Burns and Plastic Surgery, The West China Hospital of Sichuan UniversityDepartment of Burns and Plastic Surgery, The West China Hospital of Sichuan UniversityAbstract Background Rib cartilage rhinoplasty has emerged as a preferred surgical approach for complex nasal reconstructions due to its structural integrity, versatility, and long-term stability. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluates the complication rates and patient satisfaction outcomes associated with rib cartilage rhinoplasty to provide a comprehensive assessment of its safety and efficacy. Methods A systematic search was conducted across PubMed, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Library to identify relevant studies. Inclusion criteria were original studies reporting complication rates or patient satisfaction following rib cartilage rhinoplasty with a minimum follow-up of six months. Data synthesis was performed using a random-effects model, and heterogeneity was assessed using the I² statistic. Forest plots and funnel plots were generated to summarize findings and evaluate publication bias. Results A total of six studies were included, comprising 888 patients. The pooled complication rate was 7% (95% CI: 5–9%) under the fixed-effects model and 8% (95% CI: 3–20%) under the random-effects model, with substantial heterogeneity (I² = 79.3%, p = 0.0002). Complications were predominantly minor, including infection, warping, and graft displacement. Patient satisfaction rates were consistently high, with a pooled proportion of 92% (95% CI: 90–94%) under the fixed-effects model and 89% (95% CI: 60–98%) under the random-effects model. Significant heterogeneity was observed (I² = 86%, p < 0.0001). Funnel plots indicated potential publication bias, particularly in studies reporting patient satisfaction. Conclusions Rib cartilage rhinoplasty demonstrates a favorable safety profile and high patient satisfaction, making it a reliable option for complex nasal reconstructions. The low complication rates, combined with excellent aesthetic and functional outcomes, underscore the efficacy of this technique.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12893-025-03022-4Costal cartilageRhinoplastyNasal reconstructionMeta-analysis
spellingShingle Qian Wang
Jing Liu
Zhixing Chen
Clinical outcomes of rib graft use in rhinoplasty: a meta-analysis
BMC Surgery
Costal cartilage
Rhinoplasty
Nasal reconstruction
Meta-analysis
title Clinical outcomes of rib graft use in rhinoplasty: a meta-analysis
title_full Clinical outcomes of rib graft use in rhinoplasty: a meta-analysis
title_fullStr Clinical outcomes of rib graft use in rhinoplasty: a meta-analysis
title_full_unstemmed Clinical outcomes of rib graft use in rhinoplasty: a meta-analysis
title_short Clinical outcomes of rib graft use in rhinoplasty: a meta-analysis
title_sort clinical outcomes of rib graft use in rhinoplasty a meta analysis
topic Costal cartilage
Rhinoplasty
Nasal reconstruction
Meta-analysis
url https://doi.org/10.1186/s12893-025-03022-4
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AT jingliu clinicaloutcomesofribgraftuseinrhinoplastyametaanalysis
AT zhixingchen clinicaloutcomesofribgraftuseinrhinoplastyametaanalysis