Utility of a Ruler for Reconstructed Auricle Positioning

The therapeutic effect of dressing of exposed reconstructed auricle on patients after reconstruction of auricle

The dressing of the reconstructed auricle after total auricle reconstruction surgery is an important measure of postoperative nursing. However, a uniform dressing of the reconstructed auricle after total auricle reconstruction surgery has not been formed. We carried out this clinical study to provide a new idea and method for the postoperative dressing of reconstructed auricle by comparing the therapeutic effect of the completely covered dressing method and the dressing method of exposed reconstructed auricle. Clinical data and postoperative data of patients with microtia treated by total auricle reconstruction in Plastic Surgery Hospital from January 2023 to January 2024 were retrospectively collected. Patients treated with the completely covered dressing method after surgery were included in the control group, and patients treated with the dressing method of exposed reconstructed auricles after surgery were included in the experimental group. A total of 45 patients were in the experimental group and 48 patients in the control group. In terms of postoperative complications, the incidence of complications was 8.89% in the experimental group and 37.5% in the control group (P < 0.05). In terms of the satisfaction rate of patients and their families, the satisfaction rate of the experimental group was 97.78%, and that of the control group was 83.3% (P < 0.05). Compared with the traditional method of the completely covered dressing method after total auricle reconstruction surgery, the dressing method of exposed reconstructed auricle has a lower complication rate, a higher satisfaction rate of patients and their families, and a better therapeutic effect for patients after total auricle reconstruction surgery.

A three-dimensional algorithm for precise measurement of human auricle parameters

Measurement of auricle parameters for planning and post-operative evaluation presents substantial challenges due to the complex 3D structure of the human auricle. Traditional measurement methods rely on manual techniques, resulting in limited precision. This study introduces a novel automated surface-based three-dimensional measurement method for quantifying human auricle parameters. The method was applied to virtual auricles reconstructed from Computed Tomography (CT) scans of a cadaver head and subsequent measurement of important clinically relevant aesthetical auricular parameters (length, width, protrusion, position, auriculocephalic angle, and inclination angle). Reference measurements were done manually (using a caliper and using a 3D landmarking method) and measurement precision was compared to the automated method. The CT scans were performed using both a contemporary high-end and a low-end CT scanner. Scans were conducted at a standard scanning dose, and at half the dose. The automatic method demonstrated significantly higher precision in measuring auricle parameters compared to manual methods. Compared to traditional manual measurements, precision improved for auricle length (9×), width (5×), protrusion (5×), Auriculocephalic Angle (5-54×) and posteroanterior position (23×). Concerning parameters without comparison with a manual method, the precision level of supero-inferior position was 0.489 mm; and the precisions of the inclination angle measurements were 1.365 mm and 0.237 mm for the two automated methods investigated. Improved precision of measuring auricle parameters was associated with using the high-end scanner. A higher dose was only associated with a higher precision for the left auricle length. The findings of this study emphasize the advantage of automated surface-based auricle measurements, showcasing improved precision compared to traditional methods. This novel algorithm has the potential to enhance auricle reconstruction and other applications in plastic surgery, offering a promising avenue for future research and clinical application.

A Novel Method for Making an Auricle Framework Like Lego Building Blocks

OBJECTIVES

The traditional Tanzer-Brent method, which uses the integral engraving of costal cartilage, provides insufficient three-dimensional sensation and is characterized by poor firmness of the auricle framework. This tends to cause the absorption deformation of the auricle framework after surgery. In order to reduce the absorption deformation as well as make the reconstructed auricle more three-dimensional and the ear shape more realistic, our ear reconstruction team invented a novel method to make an auricle framework with autologous costal cartilage. The auricle framework made by this novel method has been applied to auricle reconstruction and has achieved excellent surgical results.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Clinical data and postoperative data were collected for patients with unilateral microtia who received auricle reconstruction using the novel method of auricle framework construction in Plastic Surgery Hospital from January 2020 to June 2022. The therapeutic effect of this novel method was evaluated by the satisfaction rate of patients and their families and by the prevalence of postoperative complications.

RESULTS

A total of 60 patients were enrolled in this study. The average age was (10.95 ± 2.97) years old. The mean follow-up time was 24.02 ± 1.52 months. The satisfaction rate of patients and their families was 96.7%. In terms of postoperative complications, two patients had postoperative infection, one patient had framework exposure, no patients had framework absorption and deformation, two patients had postoperative hematoma, and three patients had scar hyperplasia.

CONCLUSION

This novel method of making the auricle framework is more standardized, easier to master for plastic surgeons, and more conducive to the clinical application of plastic surgery. Through this study, we believe that this novel method offers significant therapeutic advantages and can be used as a unified standard for construction of an auricle framework using autologous costal cartilage.