Experience of correction of prominent ears.

OBJECTIVE: To introduce our experience of correction of prominent ears by ear cartilage-folding method, which amalgamates some well-known techniques. METHODS: Preoperative design was in a routine way. The anterior area of antihelix was dissected subcutaneously, and the surface of the cartilage was scored thoroughly. Satisfactory antihelix was established by folding with mattress suturing. One strip of skin was removed from the back of the concha with suture of the remaining cartilage to the mastoid periost to decrease the auricle-mastoid angle. RESULTS: Fifty-nine cases of prominent ears were followed up postoperatively from 1 to 24 months, and almost all of the ears achieved satisfactory effects. Both the antihelix and auricle-mastoid angle were improved markedly. CONCLUSIONS: Not only is this technique reliable, but it also has low recurrence.

Prevention and treatment of rupture and infection in expanded flaps during auricular reconstruction.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the risk factors of infection and necrosis of expanded postauricular flaps during auricular reconstruction and to provide effective management strategies for complications in expanding postauricular flaps. METHODS: Data were gathered retrospectively for cases of partial rupture and infection of expanding postauricular flaps from the 58 cases of patients undergoing auricular reconstruction after preliminary tissue expansion. Treatment included the following: (1) auricular reconstruction with autologous costal cartilage framework immediately (28 cases); (2) stretching the expanded postauricular flap and fixing in place after expander removal (15 cases); (3) removal of the expander and reinsertion of a similar expander more than 6 months after the wound had healed (12 cases); and (4) continuing expansion after antibiotic treatment (3 cases). RESULTS: Each method was applied to different types of cases. Most cases obtained a satisfactory contour and profile of the reconstructed auricle. CONCLUSIONS: Some individual and risks factors are involved in infection and rupture of expanded postauricular flaps, which can be prevented and minimized. An optimal method can be chosen to treat every case of infection and partial rupture of the expanded postauricular flap.

[Experimental study of the influence of expanded capsule on biomechanics of autograftedcostal cartilage].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of the expanded capsule on biomechanics of the transplanted autologous costal cartilage. METHODS: Ten New Zealand white rabbits aged 3 months were involved and four 15 ml tissue expanders were implanted symmetrically on the back of each rabbit. After 1 month, expanded capsules were removed (experimental group) on the left side and were reserved (control group) on the right side. Meanwhile, the 6th and 7th costal cartilage without the perichondrium were taken out and each cartilage was divided into two pieces and put under the expanded capsule symmetrically. The cartilage at the upper sides and lower sides were taken out at 4 weeks and 8 weeks later, respectively. All the cartilages were sculptured for the demand of the machine text. The tension and compression property of the cartilages were assessed by the material testing machine (Instron 5967) and the results were analyzed statistically. RESULTS: 8 weeks lateral, the average ultimate tension strength was (4. 954 + 2. 8) MPa in experimental group and (2.939 + 0.842) MPa in control group. The average compressive strength was (58.74 ± 13.77) MPa in experimental group, and (47.61 ± 11.41) MPa in control group. The biomechanics property of the cartilages in the experimental group is better than the control group, and the differences were statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Removing the expanded capsule is benefical to maintain the biomechanics of autologous costal cartilage.

[Preliminary clinical research with thoracic deformities in microtia].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the characteristics and incidence of the thoracic deformities in patients with microtia. METHODS: In Plastic Surgery Hospital, we conducted a retrospective study of the clinical and radiographical data of 300 patients with microtia from March 2013 to October 2014. Pearson χ2 test was used to analyze the relationship among deformities of ribs and spine, as well as microtia. RESULTS: A total of 78 (26.0%) patients were documented with rib deformities, 26 patients (8.7%) had spinal deformities, and 17 patients (5.7% )had both. The incidence of rib deformities in microtia I, II, and III was 7.1% (2/28), 26.7% (62/232) and 35.0% (14/40) respectively. The incidence of spinal deformities in microtia I, II, and III was 3.6% (1/28), 6.5% (15/232) and 25.0% (10/40 respectively. The patients with microtia III were found to have a higher incidence of ribs and spinal deformities than those with microtia II, patients with microtia II were found to have a higher incidence of ribs and spinal deformities than those with microtia I (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of ribs and spinal deformities is high in patients with microtia. The poorer one auricle developed, the higher the incidence of thoracic deformities.