Surgical concepts for reconstruction of the auricle

We compiled and evaluated the world literature on auricular
reconstruction, for a total of over 400 publications, more than 200
authors, and over 3,300 reported cases. We found that partial
reconstructions were already performed as early as 600 BC; total
reconstructions were still considered impracticable in 1830. But
since 1891, more than 40 different cartilaginous, osseous, and
alloplastic frame materials have been described. Only eight of
these were still being applied in the last decade, with autogenous
costal cartilage and silicone as the leading substances. Results of
the operation can be improved by special surgical manipulations,
eg, the "fan-flap" technique. Taking into consideration the
complication rate, the number of individual interventions, and the
stability of the results, we devised a special point system that
makes possible a limited assessment of the different surgical
techniques.