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Chapter-44 Auricular Reconstruction (Noncongenital Defects)

BOOK TITLE: Sataloff's Comprehensive Textbook of Otolaryngology: Head & Neck Surgery (Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery) - Volume 3

Author
1. Loh Ian
2. Park Stephen
ISBN
9789351524595
DOI
10.5005/jp/books/12699_45
Edition
1/e
Publishing Year
2016
Pages
18
Author Affiliations
1. Changi General Hospital, Singapore
2. University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
Chapter keywords
auricular reconstruction, ear, auricular cartilage, fossae, medial auricular skin, superficial temporal artery, posterior auricular artery, occipital artery, ear lobe, TPF, facial nerve, postauricular skin, temporoparietal fascial flap

Abstract

This chapter discusses auricular reconstruction, where objective of auricular reconstruction is to recreate an ear that will go unnoticed by the casual observer. Normal auricular cartilage has a series of ridges and depressions creating the anatomical highlights and fossae of the ear, this in turn creates aesthetic subunits that should be restored during reconstruction. Folding of the auricular cartilage results in a series of ridges with intervening fossae. The medial auricular skin, on the other hand, is thicker with a distinct layer of fat. The auricle is chiefly supplied by the superficial temporal artery and posterior auricular artery, with minor contributions from the auricular branch of the occipital artery. The great auricular nerve and lesser occipital nerves supply the medial aspect of the auricle and the ear lobe. The anterior–inferior most TPF is not dissected to avoid injury to the frontal branch of the facial nerve. The postauricular skin is a valuable source of skin cover for the ear.

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