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Facial Plast Surg 2016; 32(02): 188-198
DOI: 10.1055/s-0036-1582229
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Autologous Costochondral Microtia Reconstruction

Sapna A. Patel
1   Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
,
Amit D. Bhrany
1   Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
,
Craig S. Murakami
2   Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, Washington
,
Kathleen C. Y. Sie
1   Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
3   Otolaryngology, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, Washington
› Author Affiliations
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Publication History

Publication Date:
20 April 2016 (online)

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Abstract

Reconstruction with autologous costochondral cartilage is one of the mainstays of surgical management of congenital microtia. We review the literature, present our current technique for microtia reconstruction with autologous costochondral graft, and discuss the evolution of our technique over the past 20 years. We aim to minimize donor site morbidity and create the most durable and natural appearing ear possible using a stacked framework to augment the antihelical fold and antitragal–tragal complex. Assessment of outcomes is challenging due to the paucity of available objective measures with which to evaluate aesthetic outcomes. Various instruments are used to assess outcomes, but none is universally accepted as the standard. The challenges we continue to face are humbling, but ongoing work on tissue engineering, application of 3D models, and use of validated questionnaires can help us get closer to achieving a maximal aesthetic outcome.

Keywords

microtia - costal cartilage reconstruction - congenital ear deformity
 

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