Reconstruction of segmental ear helix defect with post-auricular skin flap
Kang, S.-s.; Zhang, D.-y.; Liu, H.-j.; Ma, T.-x.; Li, L.; Xie, F.; Zhang, Z.-w.
Zhonghua Er Bi Yan Hou Tou Jing Wai Ke Za Zhi 47(6): 491-492
2012
ISSN/ISBN: 1673-0860 PMID: 22932143 Document Number: 660326
To explore the method of repairing segmental ear helix defect. Twenty-one patients with segmental ear helix defect were repaired with post-auricular skin flap. In the first stage operation, ear helix defect was assessed, including the anterior and posterior area defect. According to the defect, post-auricular skin flap was designed and transplanted to repair the defect. Six weeks later, the pedicle of the post-auricular skin flap was cut off, elevated, and folded to form the helix. The secondary defect was directly sutured or repaired with skin graft. Twenty-one patients were treated with this method. In two to 12 months follow-up, all flaps survived and reconstructed ear helices were in good shape. The reconstructed ears were in symmetry to the healthy ones. The method is safe and effective for the correction of segmental ear helix defect.