Classification and reconstruction of posttraumatic ear deformity

Abstract

The diversity of posttraumatic auricular deformity caused by various factors often makes reconstruction exacting for the surgeon. During the past 10 years (from 2001 to 2010), a total of 60 patients (75 ears) were treated. The etiology of the deformities included burns (n = 35), traffic accidents (n = 10), cuts during fight (n = 8), and human bite injuries (n = 7). Based on previously published ones, we set a classification taking into consideration the involved tissue components, size of defects, and status of surrounding soft tissues, which categorized posttraumatic auricular deformities into 5 types. Different reconstruction modalities used for each type are described and discussed with examples. During follow-up, the degree of patients' satisfaction was high, and most reconstructed ears were accepted, barring a few complications. It must be admitted that achieving satisfactory outcome in the treatment of posttraumatic ear deformity similar to that of microtia is difficult, especially in the presence of extensive scar. Our 10-year experience suggested that proper classification and careful selection of techniques would be helpful.