Stack-Up Technique to Create a Three-Dimensional Costal Cartilage Framework in Ear Reconstruction.

Ear reconstruction remains a complex challenge in plastic surgery. Current methods rely heavily on costal cartilage, but approaches vary widely. Prior research has shown that skin grafts are commonly used to cover reconstructed frameworks. However, this study introduces a novel framework fabrication method that eliminates the need for skin grafts. The fully expansion technique allows for larger skin flaps, which may improve coverage outcomes. No prior work had resolved the issue of achieving bilateral symmetry without additional grafting. This gap motivated the development of a multilayer cartilage stacking approach. The study aims to address the limitations of traditional methods by introducing a new framework design. This method may offer better projection and symmetry in reconstructed ears. The results could influence future surgical protocols in auricular reconstruction.

The study aimed to evaluate a new framework fabrication method for ear reconstruction using the fully expansion technique. The specific problem addressed is the need for skin grafts in traditional costal cartilage reconstruction. The motivation stems from the limitations of existing methods in achieving symmetry and projection. This approach seeks to simplify the procedure by eliminating skin grafts. The authors propose that a stacked cartilage framework could improve outcomes. The fully expansion technique was chosen to provide better skin coverage. The study focused on unilateral microtia patients to test the method's effectiveness. The goal was to assess patient satisfaction and reconstructive outcomes over time.

The study involved 107 patients with unilateral microtia who underwent ear reconstruction. Costal cartilage was cut into multiple components and stacked to form a multilayer framework. The fully expansion technique was used to create larger skin flaps. This allowed coverage of both anterior and posterior parts of the framework. No skin grafts were used in the procedure. The anterior ear structures and posterior sulcus were constructed simultaneously. Bilateral symmetry was a key focus of the framework design. Patients were followed up for 8 to 24 months to assess outcomes.

A total of 107 patients were followed up for 8 to 24 months. Of these, 98 patients (91.6%) expressed satisfaction with the reconstructed ears. The stacked framework provided well-defined and well-projected ears. Bilateral symmetry was achieved in most cases. The fully expansion technique allowed for adequate skin coverage. No skin grafts were required in the procedure. The anterior and posterior structures were established simultaneously. The method demonstrated a high success rate in patient satisfaction.

The authors propose that the stacked cartilage framework and fully expansion technique may improve ear reconstruction outcomes. The method eliminates the need for skin grafts, which may reduce complications. Patient satisfaction was high, with 91.6% reporting positive results. The multilayer design allowed for better projection and symmetry. The fully expansion technique provided sufficient skin coverage. The study suggests that this approach may be a viable alternative to traditional methods. No prior work had demonstrated such success without grafting. The findings may influence future surgical practices in auricular reconstruction.