Allograftic and alloplastic auricular reconstruction.
OBJECTIVE
The ear is considered a major aesthetic unit that is not easily duplicated. Children born with microtia and patients who suffer from total auricular deformities present with one of the most challenging problems a facial plastic surgeon may encounter.


METHODS
Various modalities have been described in the literature. The aim of this paper is to describe the results obtained when the ear is reconstructed using different modalities (autogenous and non-autogenous) with special emphasis on the results of using polyethylene (Med pore) ear implants.


RESULTS
A retrospective chart review was conducted on 22 patients who had major ear reconstruction using bovine cartilage, autogenous costal cartilage and alloplastic polyethylene (Med Pore) material. The advantages, disadvantages and results of each modality are outline by case examples.


CONCLUSIONS
It is concluded that the best results are still obtained by autogenous ear reconstruction. The use of bovine cartilage is not recommended due to its high resorption and complication rate, which limits its use in the pediatric age group.
Habiballah
J A
JA
Plastic Surgery/Burn Unit, Department of Surgery, Riyadh Armed Forces Hopsital, PO Box 7897, Riyadh 11159, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Bamousa
A
A
D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002356:Cartilage / Q000637:transplantation*; D002417:Cattle; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004426:Ear Deformities, Acquired / Q000196:embryology / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D004431:Ear, External / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011095:Polyethylenes / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012272:Ribs; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000009:adverse effects; D014182:Transplantation, Autologous / Q000379:methods*; D014184:Transplantation, Homologous / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; C084562:Medpor; D011095:Polyethylenes