Total auricular reconstruction after traumatic total amputation of the auricle

Abstract

We present a case of successful total auricular reconstruction after total amputation of the auricle. Owing to the severe damage to the auricular cartilage, replantation was not attempted; instead, for the next step of the reconstruction, severed superficial temporal artery and vein were anastomosed. At the second stage, total auricular reconstruction was planned. A huge temporoparietal fascial flap was used (based on STA/STV), which was used to cover the costal cartilage ear framework. This case suggests that, even for the total loss of the auricle, autogenous reconstruction can still be successfully done if a temporoparietal fascial flap is available.