Optimizing auricular carving training using two materials: synthetic foam and bovine cartilage

Abstract

Auricular reconstruction is a challenging problem facing every reconstructive surgeon that demands meticulous technique combined with artistic creativity. This study aimed to find a method that is convenient for auricular carving training, thus increasing the surgeon’s carving skills and decreasing the consumed time during carving process. This prospective, experimental study was carried out using two different materials for training on auricular carving: synthetic foam that is used for thermal insulation (polystyrene) and bovine cartilage. Forty sculptures in total were done, 20 of each material. The sculptures were done sequentially starting with the foam material. Sculptures were divided into 8 groups according to their chronological order. The 40 frameworks were rated using a 5-point Likert scale. Every item was given a grade ranging from 1 to 5. A total score was calculated for each sculpture ranging from 5 to 25. There was a gentle improvement of the results in the first 20 carvings followed by a drop on starting to use the bovine cartilage material, but started to improve again and the improvement was a little more rapid than the first 20 foam carvings. Foam material is not enough for training on auricular carving as it does not resemble the consistency of the human cartilages but it helps to understand and differentiate each piece to be carved, the three-dimensional shape of the auricle, and the basic carving steps, so a combination between foam material and bovine cartilage is recommended to achieve better results. Level of evidence: Not ratable