Rhinostomies: an open and shut case?

Aims-To analyse bone fragments from rhinostomies of patients undergoing rev isional dacryocystorhinostomy, looking for evidence of new bone formation. Methods-14 consecutive patients undergoing secondary lacrimal surgery were included in this study. In each case the existing rhinostomy was enlarged w ith bone punches, care being taken to use the punches with the jaws cutting perpendicularly to the edge of the rhinostomy, to allow accurate orientati on of the specimens. The fragments were examined histologically for evidenc e of new bone formation. Results-Histological sections showed fragments of bone with variable fibros is at the edge of the rhinostomy. There was evidence of only very little ne w bone formation. Conclusion-This study has clearly shown that, at the edge of a rhinostomy, healing is predominantly by fibrosis and there is only very limited new bon e formation.