The arterial blood supply of the helical rim and the earlobe-based advancement flap (ELBAF): A new strategy for reconstructions of helical rim defects

Isaac Zilinsky, Sebastian Cotofana*, Niels Hammer, Christine Feja, Christine Ebel, Demetris Stavrou, Josef Haik, Nimrod Farber, Eyal Winkler, Oren Weissman

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

19 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background Several techniques are currently available for reconstruction of helical rim defects including Antia and Buch's technique. Some of these techniques produce unsatisfying aesthetic results or are time consuming or technically challenging. Herein, we present the earlobe-based advancement flap (ELBAF) technique and its anatomical basis for reconstruction of helical rim defects. Methods A case series of 13 patients with helical rim defects of up to 3.8 cm in length were reconstructed using the ELBAF technique solely or with additional procedures. Patients were followed for the occurrence of complications and evaluation of aesthetic results for up to 8 years. An anatomical assay that included cadaver dissection and anatomical corrosion technique was performed in order to support the ELBAF technique. Results Thirteen patients (68.5 ± 9 years, two females) with full-thickness helical rim defects of up to 3.8-cm length caused by basal cell carcinoma in 92.3% underwent reconstruction surgery using the ELBAF technique solely or with additional procedures. No complications related to the ELBAF technique were encountered during follow-up. Cadaver dissections demonstrated a consistent arterial blood supply emerging from the earlobe area, producing arteries that run circularly along the helical rim. Conclusions Based on the axial vessel pattern, the ELBAF technique seems to be a useful strategy to reconstruct full-thickness helical defects of up to 3.8 cm in length. This procedure can be regarded as a valid addition to the ear reconstruction repertoire, which can be used alone or in combination with other established techniques. Level of evidence: Level 4, case series.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)56-62
Number of pages7
JournalJournal of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery
Volume68
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Jan 2015
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Advancement flap
  • Helical rim defect
  • Reconstruction of the ear
  • Vascularization

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