Ear Reconstruction with an Alloplastic Implant Prosthesis

Introduction: It is difficult to create a natural-appearing ear during reconstruction of microtia. The repair includes the creation of a cartilaginous framework and its skin cover. Problems such as thick skin, hair-bearing skin, and poor quality cartilage serve to frustrate the surgeon's attempt to achieve the desired result.

Material and Method: A 28-year-old male patient presented with microtia Grade 2 (a malformed lobule and the rest of the pinna being totally absent). Surgical treatment with prosthetic replacement was offered to the patient. A skin pocket was dissected to receive the prosthetic cartilaginous framework. The skin pocket was composed of local skin and the temporoparietal flap. The alloplastic framework was formed with porous polyethylene. The prosthesis was secured by multiple permanent sutures without osseo-integrated fixation.

Results: Limited skin loss occurred postoperatively. It was managed adequately with the excision of small portions of the prosthesis and aggressive wound care.

Conclusion: Under ideal conditions a surgeon can expect good results after prosthetic reconstruction of an ear. This method has the advantage of providing an ear with a natural appearance and should be offered as an alternative to other surgical treatments.