[Clinical significance of vascular distribution type of the expanded skin in the mastoid region in congenital microtia].

OBJECTIVE: To classify the blood vessel distribution of the expanded skin in the mastoid region and its relevance to reasonable and reliable design of the expanded flap for auricular reconstruction in congenital microtia. METHODS: The blood vessel distribution of the expanded skin in the mastoid region was observed by light permeation test. The expanded flaps with different ratio of length to width were designed according to their blood vessel distribution types. RESULTS: The vascular distribution of the expanded skin in 403 cases was divided into five types. All the flaps survived completely. CONCLUSIONS: The blood vessel distribution type of the expanded skin in mastoid region has great significance for the design of post-auricular expanded flap in auricular reconstruction.

[Surgical treatment of acquired ear defect].

OBJECTIVE: To explore surgical procedure for the treatment of acquired ear defect. METHODS: The ear reconstruction was carried out by using soft tissue skin expander and autogenous rib cartilage framework, Medpor framework, auricular prosthesis, and so on. RESULTS: The long-term follow-ups showed that the flap of reconstructed ear was ruddy, soft, with normal sensory function. The cartilage framework had no degeneration, absorption and deformation. The Medpor framework had no deformation. The contour of auricular prosthesis was vivid and the implant system was stable. In addition, the reconstructed ears were coincidence with the normal side on location, form and dimension. CONCLUSIONS: It may be a major method for traumatic ear reconstruction that the soft tissue skin expander with autogenous rib cartilage framework could be applied at present time. In some special circumstances, the soft tissue skin expander with Medpor framework and auricular prosthesis may be other helpful choices.

[Classification and repairment of "butterfly ear" deformity].

OBJECTIVE: To classify and repair "Butterfly Ear" deformity which presents characters of dysplasia of inferior auricle of ear and congenital bat ear. METHOD: The repairment procedures include: type I: auricular cartilage flap inversion folding technique. type II: local ear skin flap. type III: soft tissue expander autogenous, rib cartilage framework. RESULTS: The method was used in 19 cases from October 2001 to March 2005. Postoperative follow-up showed satisfactory results in all cases. CONCLUSION: According to "Butterfly Ear" deformity classification, different technique could be applied.