Framework changes using costal cartilage for microtia reconstruction.
OBJECTIVE
Since a known growth-of-cartilage framework is used for reconstruction of microtia under the Brent technique, we set out to address the behavior of the framework under the Nagata technique.


METHODS
A retrospective analysis of costal cartilage auricular reconstruction procedures.


METHODS
A total of 28 patients who underwent costal cartilage auricular reconstruction between 1998 and 2005.


METHODS
Reconstruction of microtia using the 2-stage Nagata technique.


METHODS
The parameters checked were patient age at the time of reconstruction, follow-up time, and measurements of the auricular framework height and width both at the time of implantation (represented by the template size) and at final follow-up.


RESULTS
A significant change in auricular height and width was observed. The height decreased by 3.1%, while the width increased by 4.0%. This change was not influenced by follow-up time.


CONCLUSIONS
Auricular reconstruction with the Nagata technique was undertaken when the patients were aged 9 to 10 years, when the auricle had reached nearly its final size. According to our patient sample, it is our opinion that a policy change is unjustifiable.
Kizhner
Victor
V
Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Sieff Medical Center, Safed, Israel. vic466@zahav.net.il
Barak
Ami
A
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001699:Biometry; D002356:Cartilage / Q000637:transplantation*; D002648:Child; D015331:Cohort Studies; D004431:Ear, External / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000601:surgery; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D012086:Reoperation; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D054457:Tissue Scaffolds