Correction of saddle nose deformities by coral implantation

The coral or Madrepororia is a sea invertebrate with a skeleton morphologically and chemically very similar to mineral bone. In 1990 we implanted coral blocks, sterilized by gamma irradiation, into the nasal dorsa of ten dogs. Resorption and substitution with bone or fibrous tissue were observed within 6 months. Between 1991 and 1994 biocoral was used in 20 patients with saddle nose deformities in order to augment the nasal pyramid and dome. Two extrusions were observed in the early postoperative period during follow-up. One of these extrusions was related to trauma and necessitated removal of the implant. Our findings show that coral is a suitable alloplastic material that can be used in the correction of saddle nose deformities.