Auricle reconstruction with a radial forearm flap prelaminated with porous polyethylene (Medpor (R)) implant

Abstract

Severe auricular traumas with extensive involvement of the surrounding structures present with a serious defect necessitating free tissue transfers for reconstruction. In this case report, we present a case of whole left auricle reconstruction with a radial forearm flap prelaminated with porous polyethylene (Medpor (R)) implant in a 17-year-old female patient. First, a subdermal pouch was fashioned on the volar aspect of the left forearm along the projection of the radial artery and the Medpor implant was placed in this pouch. Four weeks later, the prelaminated radial forearm flap containing the Medpor implant was transferred to the recipient site. Resultant construct had a pliable skin cover, and the patient was pleased with the esthetic outcome even though revisions such as external auditory meatus widening, conchal cup deepening, and lobule defining were planned as further interventions. We believe that this method is a pertinent reconstructive option for extensive defects of the auricular region. (c) 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery, 2012.