Ear defects can be the result of trauma, burns or ablative surgery. The three dimensional structure of the pinna presents a difficult reconstructive challenge as successful ear reconstruction requires both similar tissue cover and a supporting framework. Partial ear reconstruction can be achieved with a number of options and the postauricular advancement flap is a well-recognised technique to repair this defect. The authors present a novel method for helix repair with the use of the postauricular advancement flap and free ipsilateral conchal cartilage graft. The authors report on 10 cases, between May 2010 and October 2012, of unilateral partial ear defects repaired with this technique. A random pattern postauricular flap was raised and ipsilateral conchal cartilage harvested. Vaseline impregnated gauze was used to shape the neo-scapha and helix, and free cartilage and flap reconstructed the ear. This is a useful technique to be aware of, it is an elegant solution to quite a difficult reconstructive issue but it does require a secondary procedure. Advantages include single donor site, reduced trauma surgical simplicity and good colour match of the flap.
Postauricular advancement flap for partial helix defect repair
Reviewed by Sunil Kumar Bhatia
Partial helix defect repair by use of postauricular advancement flap combined with ipsilateral conchal cartilage graft.
