Three-dimensional printing technology for the positioning of the reconstructed auricle in microtia reconstruction.

Backgound: The positioning of the reconstructed ear in ear reconstruction is a crucial step that directly affects the surgical outcome.This study employs the residual ear tissue as a reference, in conjunction with three-dimensional(3D)printing model of the normal ear's mirror image corresponding to the microtia ear, to facilitate precise positioning during the reconstruction of the ear.

Methods: This study established a 3D model group and a control group. The 3D model group utilized 3D printed models of residual ear tissue alongside the mirror image of the normal ear for positioning, while the control group relied on the surgeon's subjective observation.The symmetry of the reconstructed ear post-operation was evaluated by two independent physicians who were not involved in the surgical procedure for the patients.The patient was asked to use the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) to assess their satisfaction with ear symmetry and ear shape preoperative and postoperative 12 months.

Results: A total of 84 patients who met the inclusion criteria were enrolled in this study.In the 3D model group, no statistically significant differences were observed between the average distances from the highest and lowest points of the normal ear to the nasal axis and those of the reconstructed ear(P=0.688, P=0.916). Conversely, a statistically significant difference was noted in the control group (P=0.041; P=0.028).The 3D model group exhibited higher total scores on the VAS for patients' objective satisfaction CONCLUSION: The reconstructed ear can be accurately positioned by utilizing the residual ear tissue as a reference and employing 3D printing model with mirror technology.