The inferior turbinate bone
Dear Dr. Houser: Sorry to bother you. Today, I finally got a chance to see the real human skull. I noticed that there are many small pores in the inferior turbinate bone. It is quite unique. Do you have any idea why it is porous? Is it good for the turbinate tissue to swell? I also notice that several paitents, after severe reduction of the ITs. The IT's tissue actually try to expand as much as it can, but is limited by the loss of the bone. So, I just feel that if grafting some bone with pores into it. Maybe the tissue will grow into it? Did you do the bone graft? THANKS

I have never seen an explanation for why the IT bone is pock marked. I would surmise that it occurs as the bone matrix is being formed in utero. Perhaps it allows a larger surface with less structural support? I have not used any bone substances. Bone has such poor blood supply that it will not help humidify & heat the air. Bone, or bone source, below a soft tissue implant such as alloderm is a consideration that we have discussed on the board.

Thanks for your prompt reply
Thanks, I am really appreciated. You are really kind. You have ample experience in rebuilding the ITs and MTs. Don't you want to try to conceive some new device to rebuild or remold the MTs or ITs. And, patent it. Most ENT just want to remove instead of putting back. But you are different. And, with your experience, you can make a great tool for us. Trust me, in this world, there are very few Dr. like you, and, you are the best to make new devices, such as for future transplantation. Look at the progress of the tissue engineering, it will not be absurd, that the IT's bone or others will come out SOON as some byproduct of the veteran's recovery program. However, they might make some ITs like tissue, but how to put it back is still a issue. Again, thanks for your reply. I hope I can provide some information for you, too. Tonight, I just could not sleep. So sad, and upset. I complain against God why it happened.