Clinical application of tissue expansion with auto-cartilage graft for auricular reconstruction

Objective: To summarize the clinical experience of auricular reconstruction for microtia or atia.Methods: Thirty-six micratia or atia patients(two of the patients had bilateral defects) wese reconstructed consecutively using tissue expansion method and the three-dimensional ear framework fabricated with sculpted rib cartilage.Some patients were followed up.Results: Thirty-eight ears were reconstructed in 36 patients.The final results were promising and most patients showed consistently favorable aesthetic results.Reconstructed auricule apparently grew in childhood.Otocranial angle showed 30° to 45° steadily.Conclusions: Tissue expansion method for auricular reconstruction is one of excellent methods.