Auricle reconstruction assisted by an expander using porous silicon auricle frame / 中华医学美学美容杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate the possibility of auricle reconstruction assisted by an expander using porous silicon auricle frame.Methods An adult male with average sized,normal ears was selected.The spiral CT scan was used to acquire primitive data of his external ear.Mimics 8.1 and Geomagic studio 12 were used for 3D reconstruction and image processing.Three-dimensional model of auricle 1.4 mm in thickness was created according to the anterior auricular surface data.Finally,a metal model was made according to the 3D model of auricle.By the extrusion method,silicon auricle frame was formed from the metal model.Multiple perforations,1 mm in diameter and 1 mm internal from each other,were then made by a puncher.50 ml kidney tissue expanders were implanted between the panniculus carnosus and the fascia through an incision on the backs of 10 New Zealand white rabbits.The expander was inflated with 20 ml saline weekly,to a total of 160 ml.Maintenance of expansion lasted for a month.The expander was then removed through an incision along the expander near the back.Silicon auricle frame was inserted into the pocket.The reconstructed ears were observed for 6 months postoperation.Whether there were deformations,contractures and extrusions were observed.Results The reconstructed ears were elastic and compressible.No deformation,contracture or extrusion were observed 6 months postoperation.Scaphoid fossa,triangular fossa,helix,antihelix were legible.Conclusions The silicon frame,1.4 mm in thickness manufacted by computer aided design,could stand up to contraction of the overlying expanded flap,and it thus is possible to be used for auricle reconstruction assisted by the expander.