[Fabrication and application of three-dimensional autogenous cartilage framework in auricular reconstruction].
OBJECTIVE
To explore the fabrication and application of three-dimensional autogenous cartilage framework in auricular reconstruction.


METHODS
The process of fabrication of three-dimensional cartilage framework consisted of cartilage harvesting, carving and assembling the cartilage. The rib cartilage was harvested separately. The three-dimensional framework was composed of three main parts:the helix, the base and the pad, at different layer. The framework was fabricated according to the development of rib cartilage and contour and height of the reconstructed ear.


RESULTS
From January 1992 to December 2006, 5,248 patients of microtia were treated with 6,252 autogenous cartilage frameworks.


CONCLUSIONS
The three-dimensional framework is easily manipulated. The reconstructed ears look natural and had an erect contour. This method can effectively use the cartilage.
Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Acadamy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.
Bo
B
Pan
Hai-Yue
HY
Jiang
Hong-Xing
HX
Zhuang
Yan-Yong
YY
Zhao
Qing-Hua
QH
Yang
Le-Ren
LR
He
Juan
J
Han
Shu-Jie
SJ
Wang
Lin
L
Lin
D001915:Braces; D002356:Cartilage / Q000637:transplantation*; D004431:Ear, External / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006085:Graft Survival; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods; D012272:Ribs / Q000637:transplantation*; D016038:Skin Transplantation; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D013536:Suture Techniques; D014182:Transplantation, Autologous