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

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.