Total Auricular Rehabilitation. Issue 5 (July 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Littlefield, Philip D.; Tolisano, Anthony M.; Sabol, Jennifer V.; Herberg, Matthew E.; Coppit, George L.
• Is Part Of: Journal of craniofacial surgery. Volume 26:Issue 5(2015)
• Publication Date: 2015-07
• Subjects: Facial bones -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Skull -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Face -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Surgery, Plastic -- Periodicals; 617.52
• DOI: 10.1097/SCS.0000000000001770
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1049-2275

Abstract

<abstract> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <sec> <title>Objective:</title> <p>The aim of the study was to describe 3 cases of total auricular rehabilitation, including the novel use of iliac crest bone grafts to support bone-anchored auricular prostheses.</p> </sec> <sec> <title>Study Design:</title> <p>This study is a retrospective case series from a single institution.</p> </sec> <sec> <title>Results:</title> <p>Three cases with large lateral temporal bone and soft tissue defects were successfully treated with total auricular rehabilitation. Rehabilitation included the following: soft tissue coverage with an anterolateral thigh microvascular free flap, iliac crest–free bone graft with staged placement of a bone-anchored auricular prosthesis into the bone graft, and audiologic rehabilitation with a bone-anchored hearing aid (BAHA).</p> <p>All of the cases with grafts and flaps survived and were without significant donor site morbidity. Bone-anchored hearing aid abutment skin overgrowth was seen in 2 cases and was revised under local anesthesia. All of the patients had expected functional recovery on postoperative audiologic testing. Each patient continues to consistently wear his/her auricular prosthesis and BAHA during 3 years of follow-up.</p> </sec> <sec> <title>Conclusions:</title> <p>Total auricular rehabilitation is a complex task involving reconstruction of extensive soft tissue defects, bony defects, and the hearing apparatus. Acceptable cosmetic and functional outcomes and high patient satisfaction is possible in committed patients.</p> </sec> </abstract>