title: Fabrication of a three-dimensional autogenous costal cartilage framework in auricular reconstruction: experience with 250 cases of Asian lobule-type microtia.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Ear reconstruction is the necessary choice for patients with congenital lobule microtia. The best results are still obtained by autogenous cartilage ear reconstruction. We developed a three-dimensional autogenous costal cartilage framework for auricular reconstruction with the purpose of achieving a new auricle of high fidelity.
  
  
  METHODS
  The patient's sixth to eighth rib cartilages were harvested as auricular framework materials, which were divided into three laminates for carving fine anatomic structures. By connecting and fixing, a three-dimensional auricular framework with a concha, helix, antihelix, triangular fossa, and navicular fossa could be used for the auricular reconstruction.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The results obtained were considered satisfactory with vivid individual appearances and neat stable structures. Six frameworks were exposed or modified due to hematoma, infection, or cutaneous necrosis.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  With a three-dimensional auricular framework, the minute anatomic structures cited above make the external ear silhouette more vivid.
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai 9th People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
authors.forename: Jun
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Qun
authors.initials: Q
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.forename: Xi
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Zheming
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Pu
authors.forename: Yunliang
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Qian
authors.forename: Yuguang
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Zhang
mesh_terms: D044466:Asian People; D001705:Bioprosthesis; D002356:Cartilage / Q000637:transplantation*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D015331:Cohort Studies; D004431:Ear, External / Q000002:abnormalities*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011474:Prosthesis Design / Q000379:methods*; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000295:instrumentation*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012272:Ribs; D013536:Suture Techniques