Frameworks for total ear reconstruction: past, present and future directions

Total ear reconstruction describes surgical approaches aimed toward restoring the external ear to correct acquired or congenital deformities. Frameworks for auricular reconstruction have undergone substantial evolution over the past century and are broadly categorized as either autologous or alloplastic in nature. Recently, advances in tissue engineering, regenerative medicine and materials science have opened new avenues for recreating the cartilaginous and soft tissue structures of the ear through development of cutting-edge 3D constructs derived from a patient's own cells in a process known as bioprinting. This review outlines the historical approaches to frameworks for ear reconstruction and provides an updated synopsis and appraisal of current bioprinting efforts.