Utility of 3D CT Rib Study in Presurgical Planning of Autologous Ear Graft for Pinna Reconstruction in Microtia

Abstract

Purpose The aim of this study was to demonstrate the utility of three-dimensional computed tomography (3D) CT rib study in presurgical planning to select the autologous rib cartilage graft for pinna reconstruction. Materials and Methods Total of 35 patients of microtia for autologous rib graft from April 2017 to February 2020 were evaluated in this study. All patients had a plain low-dose multislice CT chest. The length of costal cartilages of sixth to ninth ribs bilaterally and width and height of sixth and seventh rib costal cartilage synchondrosis were measured in 3D reconstructed true size coronal images with best possible length displayed. All patients had high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) temporal studies done to evaluate for associated anomalies in external canal, middle ear cavities, and inner ear structures. Eleven patients had simultaneous HRCT temporal bone done after plain CT chest and rest who had done recent prior study were reviewed without repetition of study. Results There were 19 males and 16 females for 3D CT rib study. Average age of the participants was 16.5 years. The average width of synchondrosis of sixth and seventh rib was 15.4 mm on right side and 14.7 mm on left side, average height of synchondrosis was 28.5 mm on right side and 30.7 mm on left side. Average length of the eighth rib costal cartilage was 88.6 mm on the right side and 90.5 mm on the left side. Average length of the ninth rib was 63.2 mm on the right side and 58.2 mm on the left side. Costal cartilage calcifications were present in 9 patients. Conclusion Preoperative 3D CT rib study provides accurate measurements of rib stock for sculpting autologous ear graft.