Abstract
Auricular defects resulting from excision of cutaneous malignancies pose a challenge to the reconstructive surgeon due to the complex anatomy, convexities, and concavities of the ear. A surgeon must be familiar with analyzing defects of the ear and understand the variety of reconstructive options available with the goals of restoring function, re-establishing anatomic units, and achieving aesthetic balance. This review summarizes current methods for reconstruction of partial auricular defects resulting from neoplasm. A brief overview of ear anatomy and aesthetic relationships is also provided. Techniques for the reconstruction are classified by anatomic region: upper-third, middle-third, and lower-third defects.
Highlights
Squamous cell carcinoma is more common than basal cell carcinoma to present on the ear, and cutaneous melanoma is relatively rare[2,3,4]
The loose layer of connective tissue and adipose between the skin and perichondrium present on the posteromedial surface of the auricle renders the skin more mobile and readily available for grafts and flaps for the reconstructive surgeon. This is in contrast to the anterolateral surface of the auricle, which is tightly adherent to the underlying perichondrium
The unique structure of the auricle with a complex cartilaginous framework poses an intricate challenge to the reconstructive surgeon
Summary
5% to 8% of all skin cancers are located on the external ear, while the helical rim is the most www.parjournal.net. Defects smaller than 1.5 cm can be converted to a full-thickness wedge excision and closed primarily in Region of the ear Upper third of the ear Middle third of the ear Lower third of the ear Anatomical borders Superior to the concha cymba and above the Frankfort horizontal line Between the concha cymba and the start of the lobule Below the intertragal notch layers[16]. Incisions through the lateral skin and cartilage will mobilize the chondrocutaneous flaps, which can be moved concentrically to reconstruct helical defects.
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