The goal of auricular cartilage harvest is to obtain a sufficient amount for reconstruction
and to minimize the change in ear shape. The cartilage can be harvested by a posterior
or anterior approach, and each method has advantages and disadvantages. The posterior
approach presents the advantage of scar concealment, but there are limits to the amount
of cymba cartilage that may be harvested. In contrast, the anterior approach may cause
a noticeable scar. However, as cartilage is collected, the anterior approach provides
a view that facilitates the preservation ear structure. In addition, it is possible
to obtain a greater amount of cartilage. From January 2014 to December 2015, we harvested
auricular cartilage graft material in 17 patients. To prevent the development of trapdoor
scars or linear scar contracture, short incisions were made on the superior border
of the cymba and cavum. Two small and narrow incisions were made, resulting in suboptimal
exposure of the surgical site, which heightens the potential for damaging the cartilage
when using existing tools. To minimize this, the authors used a newly invented ball-type
elevator. All patients recovered without complications after surgery and reported
satisfaction with the shape of the ear.
Keywords
Ear cartilage - Tissue and organ harvesting - Autograft
