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Using Four-Layer Sculpted Rib Cartilage Framework to Increase Transverse Height of the Reconstructive Ear in One Operative Stage for Microtia Patients

  • Original Article
  • Facial Surgery
  • Published:
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Abstract

Purpose

This case study improves an operative method of ear reconstruction for microtia patients by using a four-layer rib cartilage framework to increase transverse height of the reconstructive ear to a natural level in one operative stage.

Materials and Methods

The procedures of ear reconstruction were conducted from February 2014 to May 2016. The ear framework used in the procedures was fabricated from autologous rib cartilage into a four-layer spliced sculpture. Totally 23 patients with unilateral microtia were willing to be enrolled in this study.

Results

After the operation, 23 patients achieved 2.3–2.8 cm transverse height of reconstructed ears, which was basically the same as the normal side. Both patients and their families felt satisfied with the results. Follow-up was performed at 6–16 months after the procedures. Only one case showed significantly lowered transverse height of the reconstructed ear, compared to the normal one. It was due to the sleeping position of the patient (10-year-old boy), which put the reconstructed ear under pressure and reduced the transverse height of the ear.

Conclusions

The method of four-layer sculpted autologous rib cartilage ear reconstruction has good clinical effect. It can provide a reconstructed ear that reaches normal transverse height and avoids a third operation to increase the transverse height by rib cartilage transplantation.

Level of Evidence IV

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Acknowledgements

The authors thank the patients for their participation. They would also like to thank PhD. Huihui Liu for assistance with editing the English language of this paper.

Funding

This study was funded by Health and Family Planning Commission of Wuhan Municipality (Grant No. WX14A10).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Plastic Surgery, TongRen Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan Third Hospital, Wuhan, Hubei, China

    Rui Wan, Xingyuan Pang & Jun Ren

Authors
  1. Rui Wan
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  2. Xingyuan Pang
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  3. Jun Ren
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Rui Wan.

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Wan, R., Pang, X. & Ren, J. Using Four-Layer Sculpted Rib Cartilage Framework to Increase Transverse Height of the Reconstructive Ear in One Operative Stage for Microtia Patients. Aesth Plast Surg 42, 167–175 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00266-017-1014-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00266-017-1014-9

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