Reconstruction of Partial Defect of Ear in a Tertiary Care Institute

Auricle is the outward visible part of ear and composed of skin and cartilage. Auricle due to its standout and projected position is more vulnerable to get injured and cause distortion of the facial aesthetics. Reconstruction of the ear defect should be individualized depending on the defect size, location, nearby skin, patient requirement and surgeon experience. To present the results of various reconstructive options for partial ear defect which will aid in decision making among reconstructive options available. Reconstruction was individualized considering the defect size, depth, location, surrounding skin. In upper 1/3 defect reconstructive options include Antia-Buch chondrocutaneous advancement flap, autogenous cartilage with temporoparietal fascial flap, for middle 1/3 defect options include retroauricular soft tissue tube flap, diefenbach procedure, Autogenous cartilage graft and temporoparietal fascial flap, for lower 1/3 defect reconstructive options include pre auricular flap, triangular repair method, Zenteno Alanis technique. Reconstruction with various techniques results in aesthetically good outcomes. There is no major complication seen in any patient. Reconstruction of ear defect with various options available has good outcome. Planning is important part in reconstruction process. Reconstructive option chosen for a ear defect should be individualized depending on patient characteristics, surgeon experience.

Optimal surgical timing for ear reconstruction with autologous cartilage: Analysis of the computed tomography scan characteristics of the ribs

BACKGROUND

The approach to constructing the cartilage framework for ear reconstruction is sufficiently established. However, there is still no consensus about the age of initiation of surgical treatment. This study aims to assess the development and growth of the costal cartilage to determine the best age to perform ear reconstruction surgery.

METHODS

Out of 107 patients, we used presurgical treatment data for 40 patients and medical records for 67 patients aged 5-40. Computed tomography (CT) scans were performed, and average parameters were calculated (length, width, thickness, cartilage density, and standard deviation in Hounsfield units) of the cartilaginous part of the 6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th ribs.

RESULTS

The required values were reached at 9-10 years old.

CONCLUSION

The criteria for starting surgical treatment in the Russian population was determined by the width of the 6th-7th ribs synchondrosis, which must be equal to the width of a healthy auricle, and the length of the 8th rib should be longer than 9 cm. Therefore, the optimal age for ear reconstruction with autologous costal cartilage is 10 years and older. However, reconstruction can be made earlier in specific cases, according to height and weight and the preoperative CT scan.