CT-Measured Normative Costochondral Growth in Children

Objective: Careful operative timing is required for children undergoing microtia repair using autologous costochondral grafting. There remains a paucity of data regarding cartilaginous growth of the ribs and synchondrosis routinely harvested during microtia repair. This study employs CT imaging to generate normative costochondral growth curves in children.Method: A population study was performed at a tertiary pediatric hospital. Chest CTs were reviewed in children ages 3 to 20 years. Demographic information was recorded. CT measurements included: cartilaginous length of ribs 6, 7, and 8 and the height of the synchondrosis between ribs 6 and 7.Results: A total of 360 studies were reviewed. At age 6: ribs 6, 7, and 8 measure 5.76 ± 0.65, 7.57 ± 0.87, and 6.68 ± 1.06 cm, respectively. In adulthood ribs 6, 7, and 8 measure 8.29 ± 1.00, 11.10 ± 1.19, and 8.95 ± 1.99 cm. The vertical height of the synchondrosis between ribs 6 and 7 at years 6 and 20 are 2.64 ± 0.37 and 3.59 ± 0.52 cm. Synchondrosis height is 85...