Reconstruction of post-traumatic full-thickness defects of the upper one-third of the auricle

Abstract

Background Reconstruction of partial ear defects represents a difficult challenge to the plastic surgeon due to the delicate and intricate architecture of the chondrocutaneous sandwich of the external ear. Methods Fourteen patients with acute or previous traumatic subtotal loss of the upper one-third of the auricle were treated with autologous contralateral conchal cartilage graft and superficial temporoparietal fascia flaps. Results The symmetry of the reconstructed ears was satisfactory and the cosmetic appearance was acceptable for 13 patients. Minor hematoma at the conchal cartilage graft donor site occurred in one (7.1%) patient and marginal loss of temporoparietal flap in another (7.1%). Revision surgery was required for widening of the scar and obscuring of the upper pole contour in one (7.1%) patient. No additional complications were encountered. Conclusion The authors recommend using this combined technique for reconstruction of full-thickness auricular defects.