title: An elastic plastic splint to compress the ear after reconstruction using a temporoparietal fascial flap.
abstract: We designed a new splint that is used to compress the ear after reconstruction using the temporoparietal fascial flap method to reduce postoperative swelling rapidly. The splint, which is made of an elastic plastic material, was applied to 3 patients with an acquired ear defect. The application period using this splint was from 10 days after surgery up to 3 to 6 months. Swelling of the reconstructed ear subsided rapidly after application of the splint. The contour was then enhanced in all patients. We were able to apply compression to the region as required, using a sponge attached to the splint. The splint is soft enough to remain in place, even if the patient continues regular activities. We conclude that the elastic plastic splint is useful to compress the ear after reconstruction using the temporoparietal fascial flap method.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, School of Medicine, Fukuoka University, Japan.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Ohjimi
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Ogata
mesh_terms: D004426:Ear Deformities, Acquired / Q000601:surgery*; D004431:Ear, External / Q000293:injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D013165:Splints; D013518:Surgery, Plastic / Q000379:methods*; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D014182:Transplantation, Autologous