title: The anatomy and application of the postauricular fascia flap in auricular reconstruction for congenital microtia.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The various layers of the scalp are widely used in reconstructive procedures. The technique used for soft tissue coverage seems to influence the framework extrusion rate in auricular reconstruction. We have investigated the role of the postauricular fascial flap in providing ample, thin neurovascular cover to facilitate ear reconstruction in congenital microtia.
  
  
  METHODS
  Following postauricular cutaneous tissue expansion, the postauricular neurovascular fascia flap was raised to partially cover the projected three-dimensional autogenous cartilage framework. A suction drain was placed in the pocket to allow the skin to coapt to the framework and a split-thickness skin graft was applied to complete coverage.
  
  
  RESULTS
  At final assessment, the aesthetic results were analysed subjectively. Four hundred and thirty-eight ears underwent total ear reconstruction in 428 patients using the postauricular fascial flap technique. None of the reconstructions failed, and all patients were satisfied with the results.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The use of a postauricular fascial flap and skin graft enhances safety and provides better vascularisation of the underlying cartilage.
authors.affiliation: Auricular Center, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Ba Da Chu Road, Shi Gin Shan District, Beijing, 100041, China.
authors.forename: Yanmei
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Xinghong
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Zhuang
authors.forename: Haiyue
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Jiang
authors.forename: Qinhua
authors.initials: Q
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.forename: Yanyong
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Zhao
authors.forename: Juan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Han
authors.forename: Dashan
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Yu
authors.forename: Zhiyuan
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Zhang
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000367:Age Factors; D001808:Blood Vessels / Q000294:innervation; D002648:Child; D004431:Ear, External / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D012535:Scalp / Q000098:blood supply / Q000637:transplantation*; D016038:Skin Transplantation / Q000379:methods*; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000098:blood supply*; D013536:Suture Techniques; D015626:Tissue Expansion / Q000379:methods; D014945:Wound Healing