The Ti-Epiplating system as an alternative for ear prostheses in burned patients

Burned ear reconstruction remains one of the most difficult areas of plastic surgery, and the aesthetic results are not always acceptable. In this study, the authors describe the results of the prosthetic rehabilitation of patients needing burned ear total reconstruction with a plate-like system (Titanium Epiplating System, Medicon, Tuttlingen, Germany) treated in their hospital between 2006 and 2009. The goals of this study were to report on the use of bone anchor implants with a plate-like system for total ear reconstruction in burned patients, to analyze treatment outcomes, and to discuss important clinical variables encountered during treatment, as well as to determine criteria for success in the implants and prostheses. Two case reports are presented, and treatment outcomes have been analyzed. In both patients, implants became anchored, and neither demonstrated failure during the study period. The cosmetic results and patient acceptance were very satisfactory, with no postoperative complications. The plate-like system for the treatment of auricle burns is an acceptable technique that complements traditional reconstructive procedures.