Reconstruction following XXXX partial amputation of the ear.

@entity1 @entity1844 @entity4438 @entity39 @entity2737 @entity393 @entity130
BACKGROUND: Reconstruction following @entity130 amputation of the external ear remains a unique challenge to the plastic surgeon. The authors report a series of ear reconstructions with @entity1844 in @entity1 following @entity130 partial amputation of the ear. Technical points regarding the carving of the cartilage framework and methods of skin coverage are discussed. METHODS: Fifty partial ear reconstructions with @entity1844 were performed over a 4-year period. All @entity1 had suffered previous @entity130 amputation of part of the external auricle due to bite injuries (n = 36), road traffic accidents (n = 6), burns (n = 5), or torture (n = 3). A two-stage technique of reconstruction with autologous cartilage graft was used based on Nagata's adaptations of Brent's original technique. In nine cases, skin shortage or extensive scarring required preoperative tissue expansion (n = 4) or a @entity4438 (n = 5) to provide adequate coverage of the cartilage framework. RESULTS: Forty-seven @entity1 had a successful surgical outcome without complication. Two @entity1 developed small areas of @entity39 resulting in exposure of the cartilage framework. These healed with conservative management with @entity393 . One case of @entity2737 resulted in significant @entity393 of the construct, which required a further surgical procedure with additional costal cartilage graft. CONCLUSION: Reconstruction of the external ear with @entity1844 following @entity130 amputation can produce high-quality auricles consistently and is becoming the treatment of choice for such injuries, given access to a specialist center with exposure to a high volume of cases.
