[Near-total ear amputation: anatomical bases and management].

BACKGROUND

In cases of near-total ear avulsions, replantation is often successful without microsurgery. The purpose of our study was to investigate the relevant vascular anatomy associated for ear survival.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Four cases of successful surgical intervention in near-total ear avulsions are presented. Injection studies using latex were performed to identify the blood supply to the auricle on 13 cadaveric ears.

RESULTS

A small superior branch of the superficial temporal artery above the tragus was identified extending along the upper border of the auricle and connecting with the helical arcade. Below the tragus, a second small horizontal branch of the superficial temporal artery was identified.

CONCLUSION

The auricle can survive near-total amputation based on a skin bridge above or below the tragus. One of the auricular branches of the superficial temporal artery seems sufficient for the blood supply to the ear and allows for a successful non-microsurgical operative repair.