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Review
. 2018 Jan;2(1):35-41.
doi: 10.2217/3dp-2017-0017. Epub 2017 Dec 15.

Auricular reconstruction from rib to 3D printing

Chelsea L Reighard  1   1 , Scott J Hollister  2   2 , David A Zopf  3   4   3   4
Affiliations
Review

Auricular reconstruction from rib to 3D printing

Chelsea L Reighard et al. J 3D Print Med. 2018 Jan.

Abstract

The human ear imparts critical form and function and remains one of the most challenging facial features to reconstruct. Over the past century, surgeons have developed numerous techniques and materials for total auricular reconstruction. Refined costal cartilage techniques have remained the gold standard for the past half-century. Recent advancements with novel materials, tissue engineering and 3D printing provide immense potential; however, prohibitive costs and regulatory steps remain as barriers to clinical translation.

Keywords: 3D printing; auricular reconstruction; bioscaffold; ear reconstruction; tissue engineering.

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Conflict of interest statement

Financial & competing interests disclosure Grant funding provided by NIH T32 DC005356. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed. No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.

Figures

<b>Figure 1.</b>
Figure 1.. Methods of whole auricular reconstruction.
Current techniques (A) rib cartilage and (B) MedPor, and future techniques (C) porous bioscaffold.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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