One-stage ear reconstruction after avulsion injury, using the amputated cartilage and a retroauricular transposition flap.
BACKGROUND
Auricular reattachment or reconstruction after traumatic ear loss remains a challenge for the plastic reconstructive surgeon. Because of the diverse accident mechanisms, no standard algorithms exist and several modalities have been proposed in the literature.


METHODS
A case of an innovative ear reconstruction of a partially avulsed ear is presented. The amputated cartilage was reattached after being deepithelized from the anterior skin. A transauricular-retroauricular random pattern flap was then harvested and used for anterior skin coverage.


RESULTS
The described technique provided a nice final result without the need of any further operations.


CONCLUSIONS
In general, a microsurgical replantation should be applied when the circumstances allow. In other cases, especially in partial upper-ear amputations with severe skin contusions, the described technique should be considered as a safe, single-step approach with good final results.
Manoli
Theodora
T
Clinic of Hand, Plastic, Reconstructive Surgery and Burn Unit, Eberhard Karls University of Tuebingen, BG Trauma Center, Tuebingen, Germany. tmanoli@bgu-tuebingen.de
Jaminet
Patrick
P
Kraus
Armin
A
Schaller
Hans-Eberhard
HE
Werdin
Frank
F
Sinis
Nektarios
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