How to harvest the maximal amount of conchal cartilage grafts.
Using the conchal cartilage as a graft has been widely accepted, but the deformities that can result have been underestimated. The deformities range from a visible scar to the total collapse of the ear framework. A simplified technique of harvesting the maximal amount of the conchal cartilage graft is suggested, based on the results of 16 consecutive cases. The technique involved (1) using a postauricular incision to minimise visible scars, (2) harvesting the entire cymba concha and cavum concha separately, with at least 5mm of the helical crus, leaving a lateral extension as a strut between them, as well as a 2mm outer rim along the conchal wall, and (3) by using a tie-over bolster dressing that can serve as a mould for the conchal bowl. This technique has been used on 16 patients with neither contour irregularity nor any deformity, from a case of a step deformity to the total collapse of the ear.
Han
Kihwan
K
Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Keimyung University Dongsan Medical Center, Daegu, South Korea. khh@dsmc.or.kr
Kim
Junhyung
J
Son
Daegu
D
Park
Byungju
B
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001458:Bandages; D004425:Ear Cartilage / Q000601:surgery*; D004426:Ear Deformities, Acquired / Q000517:prevention & control; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods; D012225:Rhinoplasty / Q000379:methods*; D020858:Tissue and Organ Harvesting / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult