Splicing of Helix Framework in Modified Nagata Method Stage I for Auricle Reconstruction in Patients With Insufficient 8th Rib Cartilage.

Background: The 8th rib cartilage was sometimes insufficient to construct a complete external helix in ear reconstruction for microtia. The aim of this study was to investigate the splicing technique of 8th rib cartilage in modified Nagata method stage I.

Methods: Between September 2022 and May 2023, 231 consecutive patients with microtia underwent auricular reconstruction with modified Nagata method stage I. Thirty-four patients with insufficient 8th rib cartilage were screened out by three-dimensional (3D) computed tomography preoperatively, who were included in the study prospectively. The 8th rib was spliced to create the external helix when fabricating the ear framework in the stage I surgery for the 34 patients. The median duration of follow-up was 12.1 months (8-15 months).

Results: There were no perioperative complications in our study. During follow-up, all patients had satisfying outcomes, with no inward collapse, displacement, or absorption of the spliced external helix. The splicing point was not obvious.

Conclusions: It was safe and effective to splice the 8th rib cartilage for external helix of the cartilage framework in ear reconstruction for microtia.