Application of triple-point marking at a standard frontal view to locate reconstructed auricle in ear reconstruction

Abstract

Objective To explore a good method for locating reconstructed auricle. Methods An X-ray film ear template was modelled with the opposite healthy ear, then the template was reversely placed on the malformed side. The position of template was adjusted according to the observation at a standard frontal view and the relations with local anatomic landmarks until bilateral auricular symmetry was reached. At that time the position of template was fixed, and three points were marked. The first point was the most front point of helix, that is in front of the junction of helix and inferion crura of antihelix. The second point was the junction of superior edge of earlobe and tragus. The third point was the junction of inferior edge of the earlobe and face.After marking the three points, the template was placed in flat based on the three points, and the shape of auricle was drawn.Whether the remnant earlobe was dislocated was decided by the difference between the position of remnant earlobe and the marked points. Results In this study, 118 cases had completed the three stages of ear reconstruction. In the first stage of the operation, 28 cases were residual earlobe moved, 1 case had hematoma postoperatively, and no case had serious complications such as infection and skin flap necrosis.In the second stage of the operation, the position of reconstructed ears were nearly symmetrical to the opposite sides. There were partial necrosis of grafted skins in 2 cases and partial necrosis of skin flaps in 3 cases, which were repaired with simple skin grafting or skin grafting after coverage of superficial temporal fascia flap. In the third stage of the operation, the position of reconstructed auricles was mostly symmetrical to the opposite side, and the wound were healed primarily.The satisfaction rate was 81.4%. Conclusions Triple-point Marking at a standard frontal view is a simple and practical method for locating reconstructed auricle in ear reconstruction. Key words: Microtia; Reconstruction of auricle; Locate