Cartilage tube formation by perichondrium: a new concept for tracheal reconstruction.

The formation of a cartilage tube by perichondrium around a silicone rod is described. Variables introduced in three experiments were (1) perichondrium of auricular elastic cartilage versus that of rib hyalin cartilage, (2) intramuscular versus subcutaneous insertion of the implants, and (3) the position of the chondrogenic layer of the perichondrium either facing the rod or facing outward. A stable and rigid cartilage tube with a smooth inner surface was obtained by using rib perichondrium preferably with the chondrogenic layer facing the rod. No differences between subcutaneous and intramuscular insertion of the transplants were noted.