Clinical study of autologous concha cartilage transplantation to repair auricle deformities

Objective To investigate the curative effect of auricular deformity repaired by concha cartilage. Methods From January 2017 to June 2018, 15 cases with auricular deformities were repaired using the autologous concha cartilage which combined with the retroauricular flap or retroauricular fascia with skin grafting. 9 males and 6 females, aged 10-40 with an average age of 19; 3 cases of upper 1/3 traumatic auricle defect, 2 cases of congenital Stahl's ear, 5 cases of congenital cup-shaped ear and 5 cases of congenital cryptotia. Results Total 15 patients were followed up for 12-18 months after the surgery. The area of concha cartilage resection was about 0.5 cm×1.0 cm. The shape and size of the repaired ears were similar to the healthy ear. The transplanted cartilages were not absorbed or deformed. The incision was healed well and retroauricular flap, retroauricular fascia, and skin grafting were preserved well without complications like hemorrhage, necrosis, and infection. Conclusions This method is harmless and simple, which has reliable and satisfactory effects on various auricular deformities. Key words: Auricle, deformity; Acquired; Cryptotia; Cup ear; Cavity of auricular concha, cartilage