Auricular Cartilage Preservation Through Abdominal Subcutaneous Implantation Following Traumatic Ear Amputation: A...

Traumatic auricular amputation is a rare but highly disfiguring injury that poses significant reconstructive challenges. When microsurgical replantation is not feasible, subcutaneous implantation of the auricular cartilage framework, typically in the abdominal wall, is an established technique for cartilage preservation prior to delayed reconstruction. We report a case of successful auricular cartilage preservation and reimplantation following traumatic ear amputation sustained in a road traffic accident. A 22-year-old man presented with complete traumatic amputation of the left ear and an extensive retroauricular soft tissue defect following a road traffic accident. Microsurgical replantation was not feasible due to the extent of soft tissue damage. The auricular cartilage was harvested, cleaned, and implanted subcutaneously in the anterior abdominal wall for preservation. After three months, once the operative site had healed satisfactorily, the preserved cartilage framework was retrieved and reimplanted in the auricular region. The final aesthetic outcome was good, with acceptable morphology and adequate structural support. Subcutaneous abdominal implantation of auricular cartilage is a reliable and effective technique for cartilage preservation when primary replantation is not possible. This staged approach allows subsequent reconstruction with preserved autologous tissue, offering satisfactory functional and cosmetic results.