1322 Two Staged Skin Pedicle Reconstruction of Superior Helical Rim

Introduction Skin grafting onto the ear has its challenges, loss of the skin results in inadequate vascular bed for the graft leading to decreased uptake 1,2. As a result, advancement flaps or sacrifice of the underlying cartilage allows primary closure with compromised aesthetics. A two staged procedure however leads to acceptable scarring, can be performed under local anaesthetic, is quick and easy enabling transfer of skin to acutely exposed cartilage. The authors demonstrate a two staged reconstruction technique of the superior helix after traumatic degloving of the dermal tissues. Method Under local anaesthetic an incision in line with the most inferior extent of the skin loss is made. A subdermal plane is expanded superiorly, and the exposed auricular cartilage inserted, healing of the adjacent margins occurs and enables later skin transfer. The patient was discharged on oral antibiotics and returns at two weeks to have the pedicle divided in an outpatient setting. A further skin incision superior to the extent of the tip of the helix is performed. This skin flap is then thinned and folded to reconstruct the posterior aspect of the ear. The skin is sutured in place and the patient is sent home on oral antibiotics. A further reviewed in two weeks to check healing is advised and the patient was subsequently discharged. Conclusions In conclusion, this is demonstrated to be a useful technique to add to the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons armament for reconstruction of the superior helix when iatrogenic or traumatic loss of skin coverage occurs.