[Total auricle reconstruction with postauricular flap and a Medpor framework]

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Reconstructive Surgery
• Biomaterials in Medicine

Context:

• Auricular defects, resulting from congenital conditions like microsomia or trauma, present significant reconstructive challenges.
• Current auricle reconstruction methods often involve complex cartilage grafting or alloplastic implants with varying aesthetic and functional outcomes.
• The need for reliable and aesthetically pleasing techniques for ear reconstruction remains a key area in plastic and reconstructive surgery.

Purpose:

• To introduce and evaluate a new surgical technique for auricle reconstruction.
• To utilize a postauricular flap supported by a Medpor framework for ear reconstruction.
• To assess the clinical efficacy and aesthetic outcomes of this novel method in patients with diverse auricle defects.

Summary:

• A postauricular flap, with its vascular pedicle based in the temporal region, was designed to cover a Medpor framework for auricle reconstruction.
• The technique was applied to 12 patients, including 8 with microtia (congenital ear underdevelopment) and 4 with complete auricle defects.
• An average follow-up of 8 months demonstrated satisfactory aesthetic outcomes for all treated patients.

Impact:

• This method offers a potentially advantageous approach for auricle reconstruction, addressing both congenital and acquired ear deformities.
• The use of a Medpor framework combined with a vascularized postauricular flap provides a robust solution for restoring ear form and function.
• Successful clinical application suggests this technique can improve patient satisfaction and aesthetic results in ear reconstruction surgery.