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Anthropometric measurements in 126 microtia reconstructions
Zhi Cheng Xu1, Ru Hong Zhang, Qun Zhang
1Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai 9th People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai JiaoTong University, Shanghai, China.
Facial Plastic Surgery : FPS
|July 26, 2013
Summary
Auricular reconstruction in Asian patients shows some width increase in children and adolescents, with similar growth rates to the normal ear in adults. Height changes were minimal, suggesting careful size considerations for grafts.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Otolaryngology
- Anthropometry
Background:
- Auricular reconstruction is complex due to the ear's 3D morphology.
- The growth potential of cartilaginous frameworks for reconstructed ears is debated.
- This study investigates anthropometric changes in reconstructed vs. normal ears in Asian patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze anthropometric changes in reconstructed auricles compared to contralateral normal ears in Asian patients.
- To evaluate the growth potential of autogenous costal cartilage frameworks.
- To provide parameters for auricular framework fabrication size in Asian populations.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 126 unilateral microtia patients (children, adolescents, adults) undergoing costal cartilage reconstruction (2007-2010).
- Measurements of reconstructed and contralateral ear height and width at implantation and follow-up (average 2.5 years).
- Paired Student t-tests used to compare size changes between age groups and sides.
Main Results:
- Reconstructed auricles showed average width increases in children (1.24 mm) and adolescents (1.35 mm), but not adults.
- No significant height changes were observed in reconstructed auricles across age groups.
- Growth rates of reconstructed ears closely mirrored normal ears in adults; slight height decreases noted in pediatric groups compared to normal side.
Conclusions:
- The study provides parameters for understanding reconstructed ear growth in Asian patients.
- Findings clarify auricular framework sizing, particularly for Asian populations.
- Further research is needed to confirm graft changes over time.
