Successful Non-Microsurgical Partial Ear 'Spare Parts Reconstruction' After 24 Hours - A Case Report

Traumatic ear amputation secondary to human ear-bite is one of the common emergencies. If left untreated, it results in a deformity that causes social embarrassment and stigmatizes the victim. This case study documents primary ear reconstruction with "spare-part" amputated cartilage in a middle-aged, diabetic male after 24 hours of amputation. This reconstruction was performed using modified Mladick's Pocket technique in three stages over 90 days. There was complete cartilage take. Partial flap necrosis was managed conservatively. Over 18 months, the ear settled well and was nearly symmetrical to the opposite ear. There was a good skin match and minimal donor site morbidity. In favorable circumstances, primary non-microsurgical reconstruction using amputated cartilage of the ear in human bite is a feasible option even after 24 hours of amputation in patients with comorbidities. Primary ear reconstruction has the technical advantage of having unscarred tissues for repair.