title: The superiorly based auricular flap.
abstract: A regional random pattern flap is described which may be used to cover the mastoid area in cases in which the inferior auricle and adjacent tissue have been removed by trauma or surgery. The viability of this vascularized tissue offers a distinct advantage over skin grafting when protection of exposed facial nerve and mastoid contents is required, especially when compromised by irradiation or infection. The superiorly based auricular flap is created by removing all cartilage from the auricular remnant. The resulting skin-perichondrial flap, covering the medial and lateral surfaces of the upper ear, is unfolded to cover the inferiorly located defect. The resulting cosmetic deformity, with loss of upper auricle contour, is a disadvantage of this flap which may be mitigated by the use of a prosthesis. After the superiorly based auricular flap is described, a case is presented.
authors.affiliation: Nalle Clinic, Charlotte, NC.
authors.forename: H T
authors.initials: HT
authors.lastname: Hoffman
authors.forename: E A
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Bolz
mesh_terms: D002277:Carcinoma / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D004431:Ear, External / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008722:Methods; D008875:Middle Aged; D010307:Parotid Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D013524:Surgical Flaps