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A new arterial flap from the postauricular surface: its anatomic basis and clinical application
1Department of Plastic Surgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
|September 1, 1988
Summary
The posterior auricular artery supplies the postauricular surface via several branches. This arterial pattern is suitable for auricular reconstruction using postauricular arterial flaps, particularly for the middle third of the auricle.
Area of Science:
- Anatomy
- Vascular Surgery
Background:
- Understanding the arterial supply of the postauricular surface is crucial for reconstructive surgery.
- Previous studies have provided limited data on the specific branching patterns relevant to auricular reconstruction.
Observation:
- Dissections of 16 cadavers revealed 3-5 main branches of the posterior auricular artery supplying the postauricular surface.
- These branches generally travel cephalically towards the auricular rim.
- Branches from the middle division consistently supply the upper two-thirds of the postauricular surface.
Findings:
- Anatomical dissections correlated well with Doppler probing results in 15 volunteers.
- The posterior auricular artery provides a reliable vascular supply for postauricular flaps.
- The identified arterial pattern is consistent and predictable.
Implications:
- Postauricular arterial flaps are effective for auricular reconstruction, especially for the middle third of the auricle.
- This study validates the use of postauricular arterial flaps in reconstructive procedures.
- The findings support the anatomical basis for successful auricular defect repair.