Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 14, 2026
The Microscopic Transcanal Approach in Stapes Surgery Revisited
Published on: February 16, 2022
[Near-total ear amputation: anatomical bases and management]
N H Nicolay1, A D Bruno, K E Follmar
1Division of Plastic, Reconstructive, Maxillofacial, and Oral Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA. Detlev.Erdmann@duke.edu
Background:
In cases of near-total ear avulsions, replantation is often successful without microsurgery. The purpose of our study was to investigate the relevant vascular anatomy associated for ear survival.
Patients And Methods:
Four cases of successful surgical intervention in near-total ear avulsions are presented. Injection studies using latex were performed to identify the blood supply to the auricle on 13 cadaveric ears.
Results:
A small superior branch of the superficial temporal artery above the tragus was identified extending along the upper border of the auricle and connecting with the helical arcade. Below the tragus, a second small horizontal branch of the superficial temporal artery was identified.
Conclusion:
The auricle can survive near-total amputation based on a skin bridge above or below the tragus. One of the auricular branches of the superficial temporal artery seems sufficient for the blood supply to the ear and allows for a successful non-microsurgical operative repair.
