Craniofacial implants in a failed autologous reconstruction of microtia: a case report

Vladimir Frias

doi:10.1186/s40729-021-00337-8

Abstract

Plastic surgical reconstruction is considered to be the gold standard for the repair of microtia as the results are permanent and constructed from the patient’s own tissue; however, the multiple surgeries required and the difficulty in attaining adequate cosmetic results often result in patients choosing a prosthesis as a long-term rehabilitation. Advances in osseointegration in the craniofacial region have improved the outcomes with auricular prosthetics by providing a reliable method of attachment of the prosthesis and increasing patient acceptance. A case presentation illustrates the results of both treatment modalities and examines the outcomes on the same patient.

Highlights

The word microtia literally translates as “small ear,” the clinical condition presents as anything from an ear that presents with minor deformities but with all major landmarks present, to a severely malformed ear that presents with few identifiable landmarks [1]
The Nagata technique uses autogenous rib cartilage, it differs from the Brent technique by proposing two stages which combine framework harvesting and contouring, tragus reconstruction, and lobule transposition in one procedure followed by framework elevation at the second stage
The following case presentation illustrates the different results attained in a patient who had both a plastic surgical reconstruction followed by an osseointegrated craniofacial prosthesis

Summary

Introduction

The word microtia (micro-otia) literally translates as “small ear,” the clinical condition presents as anything from an ear that presents with minor deformities but with all major landmarks present, to a severely malformed ear that presents with few identifiable landmarks [1]. Options for the rehabilitation of microtia have included plastic surgical reconstruction and craniofacial prosthetics with or without the use of osseointegrated implant retention mechanisms [4]. The use of autogenous rib cartilage for the reconstruction was described by Tanzer [5], and his method has formed the basis for most current surgical options.

Results

Conclusion