Modified Chondrocutaneous Helical Rim AdvancementFlap: Reconstruction of
Due to its unique structure, repair of marginal pinna defects requires special considerations. Various repair techniques have been documented in the literature for decades but many of these techniques result in deformity of the pinna and some can be unnecessarily complicated. Here we report a novel technique for repairing such defects, which is actually a modification of an older method. We have shown that a natural auricle shape is achieved with minimal disruption of the anatomical landmarks. Figure 1: Schematic representation of six Hillocks of Hiss and related structures. Background Study Defects of the helical rim may occur as a result of trauma, burns or cancers. The helical rim of the ear is involved in 45 55% of cancers of the ear [1] The helical rim is a common site for basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma as this is a sun exposed area. It is also an area which can be susceptible to trauma resulting in marginal loss. Reconstruction of auricular defects with 'like for like' (ideally pinna) tissue offers the best aesthetic option. There is, however, a paucity of redundant local ear tissue, owing to well defined landmarks of the semi rigid cartilage and tight adherence of the overlying skin. A total of one hundred patients underwent repair of a pinna defect between 2004 and 2008 at our institution. The inclusion and exclusion criteria are listed below