Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 4, 2026
Endaural Endoscopic Atticoantrotomy Retrograde Mastoidectomy using a Constant Suction Bone-drilling Technique
Published on: May 23, 2021
Evaluating Auricular Conchal Cartilage Grafts in the Surgical Management of Pediatric Orbital Floor Fractures
Mustafa Akyurek1, Buruc Barkin Battal, Gunes Hafiz
1Department of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Canakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Canakkale, Turkey.
Insights
Auricular conchal cartilage grafts offer a safe and effective option for reconstructing pediatric orbital floor fractures. This study shows promising results with minimal complications, supporting its use in young patients.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatric Surgery
Background:
- Pediatric orbital floor fractures require specialized reconstruction due to craniofacial growth.
- Graft materials must ensure stability and minimize long-term complications in children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the outcomes of using auricular conchal cartilage grafts for pediatric orbital floor blowout fractures.
- To assess the safety, efficacy, and long-term viability of conchal cartilage in pediatric orbital reconstruction.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of pediatric patients (7-16 years) undergoing orbital floor reconstruction with conchal cartilage grafts.
- Review of clinical data, CT scans, surgical details, and postoperative outcomes over a 10-year period.
- Evaluation of 8 surgically treated patients with orbital defects averaging 2.8 cm².
Main Results:
- No postoperative infections or donor site deformities were observed in the study cohort.
- A mean follow-up of 25 months revealed only one case of residual diplopia and enophthalmos.
- Auricular conchal cartilage demonstrated structural compatibility and ease of harvest with low morbidity.
Conclusions:
- Auricular conchal cartilage is a reliable autologous graft for pediatric orbital floor repair.
- It presents a viable, low-morbidity alternative to traditional reconstructive materials.
- Further research with larger cohorts is needed to define long-term outcomes and optimal indications.
Abstract:
Pediatric orbital floor fractures present unique challenges due to ongoing craniofacial growth and the need for reconstructive materials that provide stability while minimizing long-term complications. This retrospective study evaluates the outcomes of auricular conchal cartilage grafts in the surgical management of pediatric blowout fractures. Pediatric patients aged 7 to 16 years who underwent orbital floor reconstruction with conchal cartilage grafts between October 2013 and September 2023 were analyzed. Clinical data, computed tomography findings, surgical details, and postoperative outcomes were reviewed. Among 31 patients diagnosed with blowout fractures, 8 underwent surgical repair using conchal cartilage grafts. The mean age of surgically treated patients was 11.8 years, with an approximate orbital defect size of 2.8 cm². The mean follow-up period was 25 months. No postoperative infections or donor site deformities were observed. In long-term follow-up, 1 patient exhibited both diplopia on inferolateral gaze and enophthalmos. The use of auricular conchal cartilage provided a structurally compatible, low-morbidity alternative to traditional graft materials. Its inherent concave shape and ease of harvest make it a viable option for pediatric orbital floor reconstruction. The findings of this study support the use of conchal cartilage as a reliable autologous graft for orbital floor repair in pediatric patients; however, further studies with larger patient cohorts and comparative analyses are required to better define its long-term outcomes and optimal indications.
