title: More than just the helix: A series of free flaps from the ear.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We herein present our experience using free flaps harvested from the ear region in facial, nasal and intraoral reconstruction.
  
  
  METHODS
  Between 2011 and 2016, 19 patients underwent reconstruction using 20 free flaps from the ear region based on the superficial temporal vessels. There were 10 males and 9 females with a mean age of 57 years. Defect aetiology consisted of post-tumour ablation (n = 15), trauma (n = 2) and burn scar (n = 2). Defect location involved the nose (n = 13), floor of mouth (n = 3), tongue (n = 1), lower eyelid (n = 1), and lower lip (n = 1).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Twelve helical, seven temporal artery posterior auricular skin (TAPAS), and one hemiauricular flap were performed. One patient required venous re-anastomosis but complete flap necrosis eventually occurred. This patient later underwent successful contralateral helix flap reconstruction. Overall flap survival was 95%. Follow-up ranged from 12 to 69 months. A moderate to excellent aesthetic and functional outcome was achieved in all cases, but most (13/19) required later minor refinement surgery.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  As a versatile source of free flap options, the ear can provide more than just the helix.
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic Surgery, Töölö Hospital, Helsinki University Hospital, University of Helsinki, Finland.
authors.forename: Patrik
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Lassus
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic Surgery, Töölö Hospital, Helsinki University Hospital, University of Helsinki, Finland.
authors.forename: Annastiina
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Husso
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic Surgery, Töölö Hospital, Helsinki University Hospital, University of Helsinki, Finland.
authors.forename: Jyrki
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Vuola
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic Surgery, Töölö Hospital, Helsinki University Hospital, University of Helsinki, Finland.
authors.forename: Andrew J
authors.identifier: http://orcid.org/0000-0002-1120-8160
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Lindford
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D062109:Dermatologic Surgical Procedures; D004423:Ear; D005151:Facial Injuries / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D058752:Free Tissue Flaps; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008866:Microsurgery; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult