Abstract:

BACKGROUND: There are many materials for auricle reconstruction that are mainly divided into two kinds: artificial materials and autologous tissues with their own advantages and disadvantages.
OBJECTIVE: To retrospectively analyze the clinical effect and complications of auricle reconstruction with rib cartilage and expanded mastoid area flap.
METHODS: Forty-six patients who would receive auricle reconstruction were selected in Department of Burn, the First People’s Hospital of Huaian City. Auricle reconstruction was taken with rib cartilage framework that was coved with expanded mastoid area flap. Effect and complications of operations were observed.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: All operations succeed in 46 cases. In all the patients, appearance of auricle was vivid, oto-cranial angle was limpid and effect of operation was satisfactory. Three months after operation, the difference was indistinctive in oto-cranial angle, length and height of auricle between reconstruction auricle and uninjured side auricle (P > 0.05). These indexes had no difference between 3 months and 1 year after operation (P > 0.05). It is indicated that expanded mastoid area flap and rib cartilage framework for auricle reconstruction has a higher safety and better operative effects.