title: New training method of creating ear framework by using precise copy of costal cartilage.
abstract: New method to exercise creation of three-dimensional cartilage framework for ear by using a precise copy of the costal cartilage is presented. Precise negative impressions were taken from harvested 6th to 9th rib cartilage using molding material. Silicon-type dental impression material was injected into the negative impression to create a copy of the costal cartilage. Simulated surgical procedures were performed to evaluate this model; each step of creating three-dimensional framework for total auricular reconstruction was performed with exactly the same instrumentation for real surgery. We found that simulation of surgery was successfully performed, and created three-dimensional framework was very close to the real costal cartilage framework. By using a precise copy of the costal cartilage, simulation of creating ear framework came to a very realistic method to practice, and this method may give the "ear maker" a good opportunity to prepare for the actual surgical procedure.
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Osaka Medical College, Osaka, Japan. kleenexmd@aol.com
authors.forename: Akira
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Yamada
authors.forename: Keisuke
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Imai
authors.forename: Takuya
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Fujimoto
authors.forename: Kuniyuki
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Morimoto
authors.forename: Katsunori
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Niitsuma
authors.forename: Hiroshi
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Matsumoto
mesh_terms: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D002356:Cartilage / Q000601:surgery*; D002983:Clinical Competence; D004431:Ear, External / Q000601:surgery*; D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D008953:Models, Anatomic; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000193:education* / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D012828:Silicones; D013537:Sutures; D013663:Teaching / Q000379:methods*
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D012828:Silicones