Auricular skin-cartilage sandwich graft technique for full-thickness eyelid reconstruction

Full?thickness deficiency of eyelid tissues can result in coloboma or retraction or both. Here we report our initial experience on the use of auricular skin?cartilage sandwich graft technique for full?thickness eyelid deformities. Five patients (4� years) underwent the procedure. Patients with full?thickness eyelid deformity were included. Three patients were operated for large?sized coloboma and two for eyelid retraction. One patient had congenital, and four patients had acquired etiology. The following parameters were specifically assessed: correction of deformity, ocular surface problems, graft status, and epithelization of skin?cartilage graft. All the patients had a good correction of eyelid position, except one patient who had severe eyelid retraction (8 mm) at presentation. None of our patients had corneal erosion/defect, persistent ocular surface redness, or graft loss. The auricular skin?cartilage sandwich graft technique produces optimal results with no graft loss. Advancement of orbicularis muscle in between the auricular skin and cartilage grafts (sandwich technique) is an imperative step that leads to the survival of both grafts.

Análisis de tratamiento de la otitis media crónica simple con miringoplastía en el Hospital Barros Luco Trudeau

Resumen Introducción: La otitis media crónica simple (OMC) es una patología común en nuestra población y hasta la fecha no queda bien claro cuál técnica y material de injerto da mejores resultados. Objetivo: Determinar si existen diferencias en los resultados anatómicos y funcionales al utilizar fascia de músculo temporal (FMT) versus injerto de cartílago de trago (CT) en los pacientes con OMC en que se les realizó miringoplastía en el Hospital Barros Luco Trudeau. Material y Método: Estudio de cohorte no concurrente de datos obtenidos de la revisión de fichas clínicas. Resultados: De 227 fichas, 154 cumplieron criterios de inclusión. En 102 pacientes (66%) se utilizó FMT y en 52 pacientes (34%) CT. Con FMT 38 presentaron reperforación (37%) y 41 presentaron un éxito funcional (40%). Con CT 18 presentaron reperforación (35%) y 22 presentaron un éxito funcional (42%). 38 pacientes presentaban antecedente de tabaquismo activo y de ellos 53% presentaron reperforación, mientras que de los sin antecedentes de tabaquismo solo un 31%, siendo esta diferencia estadísticamente significativa (p < 0,05). Conclusión: No se obtuvieron diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre los resultados anatómicos y funcionales comparando el uso de injerto FMT y CT para el tratamiento quirúrgico de la OMC simple con miringoplastía.

Abstract Introduction: Simple chronic otitis media (COM) is a common pathology in our population, and it is currently unclear, which grafts technique and material gives the best results. Aim: To determine if there are differences in the anatomical and functional results, when using temporal muscle fascia (FMT) or tragus cartilage graft (CT) in patients with COM who underwent myringoplasty at the Barros Luco Trudeau Hospital. Material and Method: Retrospective analytical cohort study of data obtained from clinical records. Results: Of 227 medical records, 154 met inclusion criteria. FMT was used in 102 patients (66%) and CT in 52 patients (34%). With FMT, 38 had reperforation (37%) and 41 had functional success (40%). With CT 18 had reperforation (35%) and 22 had functional success (42%). 38 patients had a history of active smoking and 53% of them presented reperforation, while of those without a history of smoking only 31%, this difference being statistically significant (p < 0,05). Conclusion: No statistically significant differences were obtained when analyzing the anatomical and functional results comparing the use of FMT and CT graft, for the simple surgical treatment of COM with myringoplasty.

Ossicular chain reconstruction in chronic otitis media: hearing results and analysis of prognostic factors / Reconstrução da cadeia ossicular na otite média crônica: resultados auditivos e análise de fatores prognósticos

Abstract Introduction The goal of ossiculoplasty is to improve hearing and the success of this procedure depends on several factors. Objective Analyze the hearing results in patients with chronic otitis media undergoing ossicular chain reconstruction, as well as predictive factors for successful surgery. Methods Charts of patients undergoing ossiculoplasty between 2006 and 2016 were reviewed. Sixty-eight patients were included, totaling 72 ears. The following data was analyzed: gender, age, smoking status, laterality, pathology, audiometric exams, type of surgery, previous surgery, characteristics of the middle ear, otorrhea and ossicular chain status. Patients were also classified according to two indices: middle ear risk index and ossiculoplasty outcome parameter staging. The results were evaluated by comparing the air-bone gap before and after surgery. The success of reconstruction was defined as air-bone gap ≤20 dB and the improvement of speech reception Thresholds, calculated through the mean frequencies 0.5, 1, 2 and 3 kHz. Results Reconstruction success rate was 61%. The mean preoperative air bone gap was 34.63 dB and decreased to 17.26 dB after surgery. There was a correlation between low risk in middle ear risk index and ossiculoplasty outcome parameter staging indices with postoperative success. The most frequently eroded ossicle was the incus and the type of prosthesis most used was tragal cartilage. In the patients without incus, we achieved success in 74.2% of the surgeries. In the absence of the stapes, the success rate decreased to 63.3%. In the absence of the malleus, 85% of the patients had and air bone gap ≤20 dB. Conclusion We achieved good audiometric outcomes in ossiculoplasty and the results are comparable to other centers. Ossicle status influenced postoperative results, especially in the presence of stapes. We also concluded that the indexes analyzed may help to predict the success of the surgery.

Resumo Introdução A ossiculoplastia tem como objetivo a melhoria da audição e o sucesso desse procedimento depende de diversos fatores. Objetivo Analisar os resultados auditivos em pacientes com otite média crônica submetidos a reconstrução da cadeia ossicular, bem como os fatores preditivos de sucesso cirúrgico. Método Prontuários de pacientes submetidos a ossiculoplastia entre 2006 e 2016 foram revistos. Sessenta e oito pacientes foram incluídos, total de 72 orelhas. Os seguintes dados foram analisados: sexo, idade, tabagismo, lateralidade, doença, exames audiométricos, tipo de cirurgia, cirurgia prévia, características da orelha média, otorreia e estado da cadeia ossicular. Os pacientes também foram classificados de acordo com dois índices: índice de risco da orelha média e estadiamento do parâmetro de desfecho da ossiculoplastia. Os resultados foram avaliados comparando o gap aéreo-ósseo antes e após a cirurgia. O sucesso da reconstrução foi definido como gap aéreo-ósseo ≤ 20 dB e a melhoria dos limiares de recepção de fala, calculados pelas frequências médias de 0,5, 1, 2 e 3 kHz. Resultados A taxa de sucesso da reconstrução foi de 61%. O gap aéreo-ósseo pré-operatório médio foi de 34,63 dB e diminuiu para 17,26 dB após a cirurgia. Houve correlação entre baixo risco no índice de risco para orelha média e os índices de estadiamento do parâmetro de desfecho da ossiculoplastia com sucesso pós-operatório. O ossículo com erosão mais frequente foi a bigorna e o tipo de prótese mais utilizada foi a cartilagem tragal. Nos pacientes sem bigorna o sucesso foi alcançado em 74,2% das cirurgias. Na ausência do estribo, a taxa de sucesso diminuiu para 63,3%. Na ausência do martelo, 85% dos pacientes apresentaram gap aéreo-ósseo ≤ 20 dB. Conclusão Melhora significativa da audição foi observada em pacientes submetidos à ossiculoplastia, os resultados foram comparáveis aos de outros centros. O "status" dos ossículos influenciou os resultados pós-operatórios, principalmente a presença do estribo. Também concluímos que os índices analisados podem ajudar a prever o sucesso da cirurgia.

Split cricoídeo posterior endoscópico con injerto de cartílago costal / Endoscopic posterior cricoid split with costal cartilage graft

RESUMEN A pesar de los avances en cirugía de vía aérea, tanto abierta como endoscópica, la inmovilidad bilateral de cuerdas vocales continúa representando un desafio significativo para los cirujanos de vía aérea. Entre las alternativas quirúrgicas existen tanto abordajes endoscópicos como transcervicales, no obstante, la mayoría de estas técnicas modifican estructuralmente regiones de la cuerda vocal y/o aritenoides de manera permanente. La traqueostomía ha sido el tratamiento de elección en niños con inmovilidad bilateral de cuerdas vocales severamente sintomática, sin embargo, el procedimiento ideal debiese establecer una vía aérea adecuada evitando la necesidad de realizar una traqueostomía, y a la vez no generar un deterioro de la función fonatoria. La capacidad de expandir el aspecto glótico posterior sin modificación estructural de aritenoides y/o ligamento vocal ha convertido a la sección cricoidea posterior endoscópica con injerto de cartílago costal en una alternativa quirúrgica atractiva para estos casos. En este trabajo se realiza una revisión de la literatura y presenta un caso tratado mediante esta técnica en el Hospital Guillermo Grant Benavente de Concepción, Chile.

ABSTRACT Despite advances in both open and endoscopic airway surgery, bilateral vocal cord immobility still poses a significant challenge for airway surgeons. Among the surgical alternatives there are both endoscopic and transcervical approaches. However, most of these techniques structurally modify certain regions of the vocal cord and/or arytenoids permanently. Tracheostomy has been the treatment of choice in severely symptomatic children with bilateral immobility of vocal cords. Nevertheless, the ideal procedure should establish an adequate airway, avoiding the need to perform a tracheostomy, and at the same time not causing a deterioration of the phonatory function. The ability to expand the posterior glottis without structural modification of the arytenoids and/or vocal ligament has converted the posterior endoscopic cricoid split with costal cartilage graft into an attractive surgical alternative for these cases. In this article we review the literature and present a case treated by this technique in the Guillermo Grant Benavente Hospital in Concepción, Chile.

Design of a combined cartilage graft crusher, morselizer and holder for use in rhinoplasty

A combined cartilage holder and crusher is described that allows the surgeon to hold, crush, morselize, and suture a single piece or stack of cartilage graft without letting it slip. The customized slit-shaped jaws allow adequate room for the suture needle, while the serrated surfaces hold the cartilage firmly. The use of this instrument is advocated primarily in rhinoplasty for manipulating and suturing a small cartilage graft or a stack of grafts. The use of this instrument may be extended to aesthetic or reconstructive cases where cartilage grafts need to be sutured or shaped, as in eyelid, ear, and nipple reconstruction.

The Banner-type Transposition Flap with an Auricular Cartilage Graft for Lower Eyelid Reconstruction / 대한피부과학회지

No abstract available.

A study on the outcome of tympanoplasty with various graft materials

Background: Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media (CSOM) is one of the most common causes of preventable hearing loss especially in developing countries CSOM is a disease condition characterized by persistent perforation of tympanic membrane with recurrent or persistent mucopurulent Otorrhoea Aim: This study was undertaken to review the outcomes (hearing improvement) achieved by using various graft materials like temporalis fascia (TF), tragal cartilage (TC), Conchal cartilage (CC), autologous sculpted incus (I), autologous cortical bone (BG) in tympanoplasty surgery Material and methods: This study comprised of 14 males and 16 females patients with age ranging from 12 years to 55 years They were selected for surgery after adequate history taking, clinical, otoscopic and microscopic examination Type 1 tympanoplasty was done in 19 patients, Type 3 tympanoplasty + Modified Radical Mastoidectomy (MRM) was done in 11 patients by using various graft materials The results were evaluated in the form of rate of graft success, hearing gain, and the pre and post-operative Air Bone gap Results: Out of 30 patients, in 20 TF graft patients AB gap improvement seen in 14 patients, 5 patients did not show any change and 1 patient did not come for follow up In 2 TC graft patients, both showed improvement in AB gap In 1 patient where CC graft was used showed improvement in AB gap In 6 patients I graft was used, 2 patients showed improvement, 2 patients did not show any change, 1 patient did not come for follow up and in 1 patient AB gap worsened In 1 patient BG was used and no change in AB gap was seen Out of 30 cases graft uptake was seen in 25 cases and graft rejection was seen in 3 cases and 2 patients did not come for follow up Graft rejection was documented in one case where TF was used, one case where incus graft was used and in another case where BG was used Harinarayana N, Srikanth M A study on the outcome of tympanoplasty with various graft materials IAIM, 2018; 5(12): 77- 82 Page 78 Conclusion: Post-operative hearing gain obtained was found to be better in patients operated upon with tubotympanic disease than those operated upon with atticoantral disease The post-operative hearing improvement depends not only on the graft material used and the type of tympanoplasty but also on the pre-operative status of the ossicular chain

Correction of secondary unilateral cleft-lip nasal deformity using autologous costal cartilage grafts / 中华医学美学美容杂志

Objective To explore the comprehensive approach and efficacy of secondary unilateral cleft rhinoplasty by using autologous costal cartilage grafts.Methods Secondary rhinoplasty was performed in 28 patients with unilateral cleft-lip nasal deformity.The costal cartilage was harvested through a mini-invasive incision.Septal deviation was corrected,and nasal tip framework was reconstructed with the autologous costal cartilage through direct transcolumellar incision.Diced cartilage fragments were used to augment the depressed alar base.Nasolabial muscles were repositioned to restore the balance of muscular tension system.Results The appearance of the nasal deformity was greatly improved in all the 28 cases postoperatively by follow-up from 3 to 12 months.Increased stability and symmetry of the nasal tip,along with the improvement of nasal breathing function was achieved and sustained effectively.Conclusions Definitive secondary unilateral cleft rhinoplasty using autologous costal cartilage grafts provides good aesthetic and functional results.

Impact of cartilage graft size on success of tympanoplasty / Impacto do tamanho do enxerto de cartilagem no sucesso da timpanoplastia

Abstract Introduction: In the last decade, there has been an increasing use of cartilage grafts in the primary repair of tympanic membrane perforations. The major advantages of cartilage are its stiffness and its very low metabolic requirements, which make it particularly suitable for difficult conditions, such as subtotal perforations, adhesive otitis and reoperation. Objective: To analyze the impact of different perforation sizes requiring different sizes of cartilage on the anatomical and functional outcome after tympanoplasty. Methods: Through this prospective non-controlled, non-randomized study, 50 patients underwent cartilage type 1 tympanoplasty (20 females and 30 males), with a mean age of 19.3 ± 9.8 years. According to size of perforation, patients were subdivided into three groups, Group I had perforation >50% of tympanic membrane area, in Group II patients the perforations were 25-50% of tympanic membrane area, and in Group III the perforations were ≤25% of tympanic membrane. All patients had pre and postoperative Pure Tone Average and Air Bone Gap frequencies (0.5, 1, 2, 4 kHz). All patients were followed up at least 12 months after operation. Results: The anatomical success rate among all patients was 92%, all groups showed statistical significant improvement between pre and postoperative air bone gap, no significant correlation between size of cartilage graft and degree of air bone gap improvement was noticed among the three groups. Conclusion: Size of a cartilage graft has no impact on degree of hearing improvement or anatomical success rate after tympanoplasty.

Resumo Introdução: Na última década, tem havido um interesse crescente no uso de enxertos de cartilagem como opção para o reparo de perfurações primárias de membrana timpânica. As principais vantagens da cartilagem são a sua rigidez e o metabolismo braditrófico, o que a torna particularmente adequada para condições difíceis, tais como perfurações subtotais, otite adesiva e reoperações. Objetivo: Analisar o impacto de diferentes tamanhos de perfuração, portanto diferentes tamanhos de cartilagem, sobre o desfecho anatômico e funcional da timpanoplastia. Método: Através deste estudo prospectivo, não controlado, não randomizado, 50 pacientes foram submetidos a timpanoplastia de cartilagem tipo 1 (20 mulheres e 30 homens), com idade média de 19,3 ± 9,8 anos. De acordo com o tamanho da perfuração, os pacientes foram subdivididos em três grupos, Grupo I com perfuração > 50% da área da membrana timpânica, Grupo II com perfuração de 25%-50% da área da membrana timpânica, Grupo III com perfuração ≤ 25% da membrana timpânica. Todos apresentavam Audiometria tonal pura pré e pós-operatório - gap Aéreo-Ósseo para frequências testadas (0,5, 1, 2, 4 kHz). Todos os pacientes foram acompanhados por pelo menos 12 meses após a cirurgia. Resultados: A taxa de sucesso anatômico entre todos os pacientes foi de 92%, todos os grupos apresentaram melhoria estatisticamente significante entre pré e pós-operatório nos três grupos, não houve correlação significante entre o tamanho do enxerto de cartilagem e observou-se algum grau de melhoria do gap nos 3 grupos. Conclusão: O tamanho do enxerto de cartilagem não tem impacto sobre o grau de melhoria da audição ou na taxa de sucesso anatômico após timpanoplastia.

Reconstrucción de una pérdida parcial del pabellón auricular por trauma / Reconstruction of a partial traumatic auricular loss

La posición expuesta de la oreja la hace vulnerable a muchos tipos de lesiones, entre las que se encuentran los traumas. Nuestro propósito es presentar un caso clínico en el que se realizó la reconstrucción de una pérdida parcial del pabellón auricular por trauma. Acude al cuerpo de guardia del Hospital Universitario General Calixto García; un paciente masculino de 42 años refiriendo haber perdido un fragmento de oreja en una riña. Se decide realizar hemostasia y fijación mediante puntos de sutura del pabellón auricular remanente a la región temporal, previa incisión en la zona. A los 3 meses del evento traumático se reevalúa con fines de realizar la planificación preoperatoria reconstructiva. Se decide la realizarla mediante injerto de cartílago costal colocado en forma de bolsillo; en la región temporal. Al mes de esta última intervención quirúrgica se realiza, bajo anestesia local, la liberación de la región auricular, el avance de un colgajo temporal y la colocación de un injerto libre de piel en la cara posterior del área reconstruida. Se observa una excelente evolución posoperatoria. El paciente refirió una gran satisfacción por los resultados estéticos obtenidos. En este caso se empleó una secuencia diagnóstica y terapéutica, según elección de los cirujanos involucrados, ante un defecto traumático parcial del pabellón auricular en sus tercios superior y medio. Este tipo de secuela traumática requirió el empleo de procederes quirúrgicos en varios tiempos operatorios que garantizaran un buen aporte sanguíneo de los tejidos y adecuados resultados estéticos finales(AU)

The exposed position of the ear makes it vulnerable to many types of injuries, including traumas. It is our purpose to present a clinical case in which reconstruction was performed of a partial traumatic auricular loss. A 42-year-old male patient presents at the emergency service of General Calixto García; University Hospital and reports having lost a piece of his ear in a fight. It was decided to perform hemostasis and fixation by stitching the remaining section of the auricle to the temporal region, after making an incision in the area. Three months after the traumatic event re-evaluation was conducted with a view to planning reconstructive surgery. It was decided to carry out the reconstruction placing a pocket-shaped rib cartilage graft in the temporal region. One month after the operation, auricular release, advancement of a temporary flap and placement of a free skin graft on the back of the reconstructed area were performed under local anesthesia. Excellent postoperative evolution was observed. The patient reported great satisfaction with the esthetic results obtained. The case herein presented was based on a diagnostic and therapeutic sequence of actions determined by the surgeons involved with a view to correcting a partial traumatic defect of the upper and middle thirds of the auricle. This type of traumatic sequel required the use of surgical procedures at several operative moments ensuring good blood supply to tissues and appropriate final esthetic results(AU)

Augmentation rhinoplasty with rib cartilage graft

@#<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>OBJECTIVE:</strong> To investigate the outcome and complications of augmentation rhinoplasty with rib cartilage grafts.<br /><strong>METHODS:</strong><br /><strong>Design:</strong> Retrospective study<br /><strong>Setting:</strong> Tertiary Government Hospital<br /><strong>Subjects:</strong> Patients who underwent dorsal nasal augmentation with autologous rib cartilage grafts between June 2008 and October 2012.<br /><strong>RESULTS:</strong> A total of 12 patients (3 male, 9 female) were included in the study. Mean age was 29 years. Seven were cases of primary simple rhinoplasty with four cases of revision (previously using alloplastic materials) and one case of trauma. Indications for the procedure were all cosmetic. There was no incidence of infection, both in the donor and recipient sites, warping of the graft, graft extrusion, resorption, pneumothorax, chest wall deformity or prolonged edema. Post-operative pain in the donor site was relieved by oral pain medications. No revision surgery was required.<br /><strong>CONCLUSION:</strong> Costal cartilage is a good option for structural support of the nose. In our experience patients have become wary of the complication of allografts and have opted to use autografts. The surgeon's knowledge of the nasal anatomy as well as his or her experience with autologous grafts plays a major role in avoiding post-operative morbidity.</p>

Surgery for Nasal Valve Compromise / 대한이비인후과학회지

The nasal valve spans a minimal cross sectional area of the intake point inside the nose. Acting as a Starling's resistor, it plays a pivotal role in controlling the inspiratory airflow. Nasal valve compromise, better known as nasal valve dysfunction, can be suspected when the patient complains of inspiratory nasal obstruction after trauma or surgery. If the patient has a history highly suspicious of nasal valve compromise, thorough physical examinations are mandatory in order to find the exact epicenter. The deformed L-strut septum and/or upper lateral cartilage are mainly responsible for the static internal nasal valve compromise. Characteristic findings include pinching of the middle vault and an inverted V deformity. Widening the nasal valve area is the most preferred therapy to correct statically narrowed nasal valve compromise. External valve compromise, on the other hand, is dynamically collapsible in many cases as evident during respiration. Typical sign, therefore, includes an inward collapse of alar and/or lateral wall upon inhalation. Treatment strategy, in this particular case, usually involves a cartilage addition to the deficient lateral wall or alar in order to stablize and provide rigidity to the lateral wall and also resist inspiratory negative force. However, surgeons should not be confused by the collapse as it may merely reflect the collapsibility of the structure rather than a genuine epicenter of nasal obstruction. Cartilage graft with or without suturing is the best therapeutic measure for patients with either static or dynamic nasal valve compromise when tackling nasal obstruction. It also enhances the structural integrity of the nasal valve. This review focuses on the various surgical techniques used in repairing nasal valve compromise to increase patency and restore breathing with an emphasis on each specific indication.

Gender effect on the preoperative cardiovascular responses in pediatric patients undergoing two-stage ear reconstruction surgery for microtia

BACKGROUND: The hemodynamic reactions to psychological stress were different between adult genders. Our aim was to investigate the hypothesis that preoperative cardiovascular responses in children undergoing ear reconstruction surgeries will be different according to gender. METHODS: We obtained data from children, aged 7-16 years, undergoing reconstruction surgeries for microtia during 2005-2009. Number of boys receiving primarily rib cartilage graft (RCG) surgery and secondarily ear elevation procedure was 121 and 83, respectively, and girls 48 and 28, respectively. Preoperative systolic (S), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and heart rate (HR) on each surgery were compared between genders, and within genders. RESULTS: Boys were younger than girls by one year at first and second admission. Boys showed significantly lower preoperative DBP than girls (mean difference [MD]: -3.7 mmHg, 95%CI: -6.1 to -1.3, P = 0.032) before RCG, whereas significantly higher SBP (MD: 21.5 mmHg, 95%CI: 16.6 to 26.4, P < 0.001), and DBP (MD: 10.2 mmHg, 95%CI: 6.0 to 14.4, P < 0.001) before ear elevation. Comparison between the two surgeries within the same gender indicated that boys demonstrated significantly higher SBP (P < 0.001) and DBP (P < 0.001) before ear elevation than before RCG; however SBP was comparable and DBP was significantly lower (P = 0.035) before ear elevation than before RCG in girls. CONCLUSIONS: Gender impact on the preoperative cardiovascular reactions was evident in children undergoing microtia surgery.

Elongating Asian nose with autologous septal cartilage / 中华医学美学美容杂志

Objective To employ autologous septal cartilage grafting as a new method of elongating the nose and adjusting the nasolabial angle in order to correct the deformities of short nose and bulbous tip.Methods A set of techniques,including,yet not limited to,releasing and sculpturing of the alar cartilages,harvesting of septal cartilages and carving them into L shape and cap-like shape for transplant,moulding the soft tissue envelop with buried through and through sutures etc.were used to lengthen the nose and modify the tip.Results From 2004 to now,the new technique had been applied to 345 patients with short nose and bulbous tip.Follow-up ranged from 6- 48 months,satisfactory outcomes were obtained.Conclusions The new technique adopted by the author in which autologous septal cartilages are settled to the anterior angle of the nasal septum and between the domes of alar cartilages has been proved to be a viable and reliable way to lengthen the nose.Further advantages of this technique include the easiness of harvesting grafts,minimal injury,rare complications of infection and rejection etc.

Otoplasty with High Density Polyethylene Implant (MEDPOR(R))

PURPOSE: The key points of treatment of cryptotia are the elevation of invaginated ear helix and the correction of deformed cartilage. Prevention of stabilized cartilage contouring from returning to the previous state is also important. The authors carried otoplasty by modified Onizuka's method or Ohmori's method that conchal cartilage graft or high density polyethylene implant(MEDPOR(R)) graft served as fixation after spreading posterior aspect of adhered antihelix and a splint for prevention of recurrence of cartilage deformities. The aim of this study is to reveal the availability of the high density polyethylene implant(MEDPOR(R)) graft for the correction of cryptotia. METHODS: We have repaired 17 cryptotic deformities using cartilage graft from cavum of concha(12 cases) or high density polyethylene implant(5 cases) for correction of deformed cartilage. We investigate the operative time, complications, and satisfaction of postoperative ear shape on both autogenous cartilage graft group and high density polyethylene implant graft group. RESULTS: There was 1 case of reinvagination on autogenous cartilage graft group. Implant exposure was occurred on high density polyethylene implant graft group, as 1 case. These were statistically no differences between autogenous cartilage graft group and high density polyethylene implant graft group to the satisfaction of ear shape. CONCLUSION: High density polyethylene implant (MEDPOR(R)) present an alternative to autogenous material as they allow of fibrovascular ingrowth, leading to stability of the implant and decreased infection rates. The correction of deformed cartilage by using the high density polyethylene implant(MEDPOR(R)) is a good option for the treatment of cryptotia.

Using Rib Bone Turnover Technique, Prevention of Chest Wall Depression after Microtia Reconstruction

PURPOSE: Reconstruction of microtia using costal cartilage graft is commonly used technique nowadays. The chest wall depression at the donor site after the graft, however, has been noticed in many articles. Prevention or correction technique for the depression at the donor site also has been reported and we also have been concerned about the problem. This article is a case report about a new technique preventing chest wall depression after costal cartilage graft. METHODS: We selected total 15microtia patients who visited our clinic, from December 2005 to July 2007. They were 10 male and 5 female patients and the mean age was 11.9 years. The average follow up period was 9.2months(2 to 15months). We used 6, 7, and 8th costal cartilage for microtia reconstruction. And then we turned over pivot of cartilage resection margin, after bihalving costal cartilage involving about 5-6cm of 6th and 7th rib bone. After microtia reconstruction, chest donor sites were evaluated by physical examination and radiography. RESULTS: Postoperative depression at the donor site was much less when the costal cartilage turnover technique was performed. Postoperative physical examination and three dimensional reconstruction CT showed that the rest part of rib bone was turned over and it supported the soft tissue defect during respiration. CONCLUSION: We expect that the turnover rib bone will not be absorbed after graft, as well as offering mechanical support, compared to the other reports.

Complications in the Recipient Sites of Autologous Rib Cartilage Grafts for Microtia

PURPOSE: Microtia is a congenital anomaly resulting from abnormal development of the branchial apparatus. Although significant modification and improvement of operative procedures for the reconstruction of the auricle with a natural appearance have been reported, postoperative complications, such as infection, flap necrosis and deformity, still remain serious problems in patients. Many studies with long-term results have focused mainly on operative procedures for an acceptable auricular shape without consideration of possible complications. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study on postoperative complications at the recipient sites of 183 patients who underwent auricular reconstruction with autologous rib cartilage grafts from November 1987 to January 2007 at the Division of Pediatric Plastic Surgery, Seoul National University Children's Hospital. Patients were analyzed in terms of the kinds and incidences of complications, and their treatment options. RESULTS: Postoperative complications included wound dehiscence, flap necrosis, infection, hypertrophic scar, auricular deformity and absorption of rib cartilage grafts. The complications occurred in 47 patients with a complication rate of 25.7%. Fourteen patients were successfully managed with conservative treatment. However, surgical treatment was required in 51 reoperations(33 patients) of total 329 operations. CONCLUSION: Postoperative complications at the recipient sites of autologous rib cartilage grafts occurred with relatively high incidences and required long-term treatments and multiple surgeries. The results of this study may provide information on the causes and proper management of postoperative complications as well as safe procedures for the reconstruction of the auricle.

Correction of Lower Lid Retraction Combined with Entropion using an Ear Cartilage Graft in the Anophthalmic Socket

PURPOSE: To investigate the surgical results of an ear cartilage graft and supplemental procedures for correcting lower lid retraction combined with entropion in anophthalmic patients. METHODS: We reviewed retrospectively the medical records of 7 anophthalmic patients with lower lid retraction and entropion, who received a posterior lamellar ear cartilage graft and one or both of lateral tarsal strip or eyelash-everting procedure between March 1998 and March 2003. Preoperative and postoperative lid and socket statuses were also investigated. RESULTS: Ear cartilage grafts were performed in all 7 patients, lateral tarsal strips in 6, and eyelash-everting procedures in 5. Postoperative follow-up durations ranged from 4 to 28 months (average 12.6 months). Retractions were corrected during follow-up in all patients. There were no cases of entropion immediately after surgery. However, the eyelashes of the lower lid returned to an upright position in 4 patients, but not so severe as to touch the ocular prosthesis, and thus did not require surgical correction during follow up. CONCLUSIONS: Lower lid retraction combined with entropion in anophthalmic patients can be corrected effectively using an ear cartilage graft with selective, supplemental procedures.

Baseblock Sculpturing Using the Scoring Technique for the Reconstruction of Ear

Total auricular reconstruction with autogenous tissue remains one of the greatest technical challenges for reconstructive plastic surgeons because of the ear's complex morphology with delicately convoluted cartilages and very thin skin. In a successfully created ear, a natural three-dimensional illusion visualized from the patient's profile, frontal, and posterior views is crucial. Accordingly ear framework should have adequate lateral aspect as well as suitable frontal aspect even before being lifted to this purpose. For this goal, rib cartilage should be harvested from three-dimensionally adequate area. It is the most essential point in framework fabrication that the baseblock should have semi-cup curvature via multiple parallel cuts made on its medial surface. Between January 1999 and May 2003, we performed 29 cases of total ear reconstruction with autogenous rib cartilage graft using this scoring technique and obtained satisfactory results, which showed more natural appearance visualized from the patient's profile, frontal, and posterior views.

Multilayer Onlay Cartilage Graft with Perichondrium: Comparing Growth Rate and Strength in a Rabbit Model

Multilayered cartilage graft has been clinically used at tip plasty, total ear reconstruction, and cleft lip nasal deformities. Perichondrial flap or a free perichondrium has been also commonly used for induction of neocartilage. However, the influence of perichondrium on multilayered cartilage graft to strength and growth rate is still unknown. The purpose of this study was to compare the strength and growth rate of different multilayered cartilage graft and to present the most ideal model of multilayered cartilage graft. Twenty New- zealand white rabbit were used. Triple layers of cartilage grafts with various perichondrium were inserted into six separate pockets in paravertebral region of rabbits. The grafts were grossly and microscopically observed on 8 and 16 weeks after grafting. On gross observation, the grafts showed marked enlargement of three layers of cartilage grafts with perichondrium compare with three layers of cartilage grafts without perichondrium In histologic examination, the number of PCNA-labelled cells were significantly high on three layers of cartilage grafts with perichondrium. In conclusion, this study suggested that triple-layer graft of cartilage grafts with perichondrium on the outside of triple-layer graft has strength and an effect on chondrogenetic induction by the perichondrium.