Ear Reconstruction: Empirical Data of 406 Cases of Carving the Convex Structures of the Framework.

In auricular reconstruction, the convex structures of the framework determine the esthetics, and young doctors often need sufficient training to determine the best carving techniques. This study aimed to recommend optimal carving methods and provide measured data of convex structures of the carved costal cartilage framework to prevent complications, improve esthetics, and reduce the learning curve. From 2018 to 2021, 406 patients with microtia who underwent costal cartilage carving were enrolled. The helix is formed by the eighth costal cartilage. The complex of the antihelix was fabricated from part of the eighth costal cartilage or the ninth costal cartilage. The tragus was constructed using residual cartilage pieces from the base frame. These components were measured, and those from the new ear graded "excellent" were used for data analysis. The statistical analysis was principally processed using Excel software. A total of 112 ears were graded "excellent". The following are the mean and standard deviation of each group of data: antihelix thickness, 0.31 ± 0.06 cm; antihelix width, 0.40 ± 0.06 cm; superior crus thickness, 0.18 ± 0.04 cm; superior crus width, 0.38 ± 0.09 cm; inferior crus width, 0.22 ± 0.04 cm; inferior crus thickness, 0.28 ± 0.05 cm; helix thickness, 0.31 ± 0.04 cm; the four-point height of the helix, 0.52 ± 0.08 cm/0.51 ± 0.07 cm/0.46 ± 0.06 cm/0.41 ± 0.06 cm; and tragus height, 0.98 ± 0.15 cm. These data may help beginners in reducing the learning curve of ear reconstruction. Framework fabrication based on these data allows attaining a harmonious ear framework and satisfactory three-dimensional auricle outline, yielding acceptable results and few complications. 4 Laryngoscope, 133:569-575, 2023.

Li D ，Zhang R ，Xu Z ，Zhang Q ，Xu F ，Li Y ，Chen X ，Hou R ... -  《-》

Different Methods of Fabricating Cartilaginous Ear Framework in Children With Microtia According to the Length of the Eighth Costal Cartilage Intraoperatively.

Yan H ，Zhang G ，Liu W ，Wang N ，Liu Z ... -  《-》

Modified Methods of Fabricating Helix and Antihelix in Total Auricular Reconstruction Based on Different Length of Eighth Costal Cartilage.

Yang M ，Jiang H ，Li H ，Yu X ，Zhang Y ，Pan B ... -  《-》

A New Classification of Helix Fabrication Methods with Autogenous Costal Cartilage in Microtia Reconstruction.

Xu Z ，Xu F ，Zhang R ，Zhang Q ，Li D ，Li Y ... -  《-》

New strategies for base frame fabrication in microtia reconstruction.

The base frame provides a stable support for the helix, antihelix, and tragus-antitragus complex in microtia reconstruction, and this support is vital to attain a highly defined outline for a reconstructed auricle. The success of base frame sculpting depends on appropriate treatment of the cartilage, mainly the sixth and seventh costal cartilages, which may have different characteristics. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the relevant details for base frame fabrication under various scenarios. Between 2016 and 2019, a total of 352 patients with microtia underwent autologous auricular reconstruction. Concerning the different sizes and characteristics of the costal cartilage used for the base frame reconstruction, we describe the related methods for fabrication and introduce corresponding strategies for proper management. We found that 90% of the patients responded at follow-up, and 76% of them were satisfied with the cosmetically refined auricle with harmonious integrity. The elaborate design and appropriate utilization of costal cartilage for base frame sculpting is one of the most significant and fundamental processes in microtia reconstruction. It contributes to achieving a clearly defined outline of the auricle with harmonious integrity, which is as important as the other projected subunits.

Li Y ，Li D ，Xu Z ，Zhang R ，Zhang Q ，Xu F ，Chen X ... -  《Scientific Reports》