Clinical analysis on 15 cases of auricular reconstruction using autogenous costal cartilage framework

Objective: To explore the technique of auricular reconstruction using autogenous costal cartilage framework and study the clinical experience.Methods: Retrospective study include 15 cases of auricle deformities during July 2003 to March 2008 was carried out.Among them,12 cases were microtia,and other 3 cases were aquired defects from injury.All cases underwent auricular reconstruction using retroauricular tissue expansion and autogenous costal cartilage framework.Results: All patients were followed up for six months to four years.13 cases were performed by the two-stages operation and showed good aesthetic result.Both patients and surgeons were satisfactory.Hematoma occurred in one case.Expander exposure occurred in three cases.Cartilage framework exposure occurred in two cases.Conclusion: Surgical technique using retroauricular tissue expansion and autogenous costal cartilage framework is the first choice for auricular reconstruction.