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

Background: Attaining an ideal appearance of the reconstructed ear depends primarily on the fabricated cartilaginous ear framework. Despite the role of eighth costal cartilage, the length of the eighth rib cartilage is difficult to anticipate, and growth of the eighth cartilage is variable. The authors discussed modified methods of fabricating helix and antihelix based on different length of eighth costal cartilage. Methods: Based on the actual length of the eighth costal cartilage, patients were divided into group A and group B. In group A, the eighth costal cartilage was divided into 2 parts. Part I was used to fashion the helix, whereas part II was used to fabricate the antihelix and superior crus. In group B, the seventh costal cartilage was cut into 3 parts. Part I and part II were used to fashion the helix, antihelix, and superior crus as group A did. Part III was assembled to the lateral part of the framework to form the inferior crus. Results: A total of 56 patients underwent auricular reconstruction adopting the modified techniques between 2015 and 2016. Three cases have been selected to illustrate the favorable result achieved. They revealed that the helix, antihelix, superior crus, and inferior crus all appeared distinct and presented a favorable result of the contour of the reconstructed auricle. Conclusions: Based on different length of eighth costal cartilage, modified methods of fabricating helix and antihelix make full use of the autogenous costal cartilage, elevate anatomical details, and enhance the overall aesthetics of reconstructed ear. The great majority of patients have satisfactory surgical outcomes, demonstrating that personalized treatment is necessary. Address correspondence and reprint requests to Bo Pan, PhD, Department of Auricular Reconstruction, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Badachu Road 33, Beijing 100144, China; E-mail: 15098733987@126.com Received 13 December, 2016 Accepted 24 August, 2017 Ethical approval: The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Plastic Surgery Hospital, the Peking Union Medical College, and the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences. This work was supported by the Chinese National Natural Science Foundation (No.81272124). The authors report no conflicts of interest. © 2018 by Mutaz B. Habal, MD.

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