Reconstruction of Post-Traumatic Defects of the External Ear and Nose With Autologous Costal Cartilage

Abstract

Traumatic ear amputation and post-traumatic nose defect are aesthetic deformities that can have negative consequences (lead to psychological trauma), leading to a change in the quality of life. The presented clinical case describes a protocol for the reconstruction of a partially amputated defect of the external ear and nose, which required various surgical steps; including the removal of cartilage from the ribs, followed by the creation of a cartilaginous model of the ear, the introduction of its subcutaneous region behind the ear, taking into account the anatomy of the outer ear as much as possible. The second stage after 1.5 months is the restoration of the amputated ear area with a combined superficial temporal fascial flap, costal cartilage with suturing to the amputated part of the ear and dorsal rhinoplasty using modeling costal autocartilaginous flap. The postoperative result is satisfactory with the restoration of a good aesthetic appearance of the ear and nose. Reconstruction of the external ear after partial traumatic amputation and post-traumatic nose defect with autocartilage from the ribs provides a stable aesthetic result and becomes the method of choice for such injuries.