Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery · 1991 · 69 citations · 0 references
Skin FlapOrthopaedic SurgerySoft Tissue SurgeryMedicineEar MoldingAudiologyOtorhinolaryngologyAesthetic Facial SurgeryReconstructive SurgerySurgeryAnatomyTotal Ear ReconstructionSoft Tissue ReconstructionArtsCongenital MicrotiaMicrotiaPlastic SurgeryHearing Loss
The technique builds on Song and Song’s one‑stage reconstruction for congenital microtia. The procedure uses a superficial skin flap based on posterior auricular perforators and a deeper axial‑pattern fascial flap containing the posterior auricular artery, into which an exaggerated rib‑cartilage framework is inserted, followed by intraoperative skin expansion and postoperative molding to shape the ear. The authors report successful total ear reconstruction using this single‑stage two‑flap technique in congenital microtia.
A single-stage two-flap method of total ear reconstruction in congenital microtia is reported. This method was derived from the one-stage reconstruction described by Song and Song. Two flaps defined by vascular basis were elevated on the mastoid area: the superficial skin flap supplied mainly by subcutaneous pedicled arteriole perforators from the posterior auricular artery and the deeper axial-pattern fascial flap including the posterior auricular artery itself. The ear framework, exaggeratedly carved using autologous rib cartilage, could be inserted easily between the two flaps, simultaneously producing the auriculocephalic angle and the conchal wall. Intraoperative expansion of the skin flap and postoperative external ear molding also were performed to create aesthetically pleasing ears.