A protective guard for use during reconstruction of the auricle

Dental impression compound as an effective splint for maintenance of ear elevation in microtia reconstruction

Ear projection is an important goal to be achieved after stage two (ear elevation) in cases of microtia. This is a retrospective study conducted on patients with microtia who underwent staged reconstruction for the same. This study has been carried out over a period of 10 years with 211 patients. Dental impression compound was used as a splint after ear elevation and split skin grafting to maintain the projection of the ear. Projection of the ear was measured both pre- and post-procedure and at every follow-up using goniometer and photographic documentation was simultaneously done. Statistical analysis was performed using t-test. Patients were reviewed every month and splint was continued until 6 months post-surgery. The splint was very effective in maintaining the ear projection of more than 20^° even after prolonged follow-up of upto 2 years. There were no complications associated with the splint application or prolonged use.

Individual earmuff during reconstruction of the auricle

BACKGROUND

Auricular reconstruction represents one of the most demanding challenges in craniofacial surgery. But some of the complications may be stimulated by trauma or continuing pressures. Therefore, earmuff is important to the reconstructed ears as a protective guard. The widely used traditional earmuff was designed by Tanzer and Chaisson. We renovated a more comfortable and much safer individual earmuffs using a low-temperature thermoplastic splint.

METHODS

The low-temperature thermoplastic splint was softened by hot water at 60°C to 70°C. Afterward, the low-temperature thermoplastic splint was stretched over an oval plaster mold. Then, it was fabricated, followed by trimming of the excess material, leaving a quarter-inch flange attached to the cup. Individualized adjustment of the earmuff was performed by immersing in hot water at 60°C to 70°C. When intenerated, it was placed around the reconstructed ear for 10 to 15 minutes until completion of shaping could be achieved. Finally, the earmuff was fixed with elastic band, which was based on the size of child's head circumference and could be adjusted for the patient's comfort.

RESULTS

The individualized earmuff was applied in more than 400 patients after surgery of microtia reconstruction. Such individualized earmuffs are proved to provide sufficient protection, while leaving no major problems.

CONCLUSIONS

The individual earmuff provides effective protection, secure fit, and comfort for the reconstructed ear.

Silicone Foley's catheter: A useful splint in ear surgeries

Maintenance of ear projection and post auricular sulcus in staged ear reconstruction in microtia is a trying problem. So also is the maintenance of the patency of the external auditory meatus following recanalization and meatoplasty. Numerous splints and dressing techniques have been described for the above situations. Some of the problems encountered include the availability of the materials, cost, expertise in fabrication and compliance.

Compressive plastic splint for postoperative management of the ear

A new splint for use after ear reconstruction is described. This splint adjusts suitably to the complicated contours of the ear without requiring any impressions before fabrication. The splint controls expansion and contractile forces and consequently prevents some of the complications following ear surgery.

The value of head dressings in the postoperative management of the prominent ear

A prospective trial was performed to ascertain the value of padded head dressings following the correction of prominent ears. Twenty consecutive adults and 20 consecutive children were included. The results are discussed and certain recommendations suggested.