Clinical Application of Auricular Cartilage Expansion Technique for Conchal-Type Microtia Repair in the Xizang Autonomous Region.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of auricular cartilage expansion for conchal-type microtia in the high-altitude setting of Xizang.

METHODS

Fourteen children (10 mo-6 y) with unilateral conchal-type microtia underwent single-stage cartilage expansion between October 2024 and February 2025. Procedures included helical cartilage release, antitragal cartilage grafting, conchal expansion, and local flap resurfacing. Outcomes were assessed at 6 months.

RESULTS

All reconstructions survived completely. Mean operative time was 92±12 minutes. Auricular height improved 7.8±1.3 mm and projection 5.5±1.1 mm. Sutures were removed at 9.1±0.9 days. Parental satisfaction was 100%. No infections, exposures, or hypertrophic scars occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

Cartilage expansion is a safe, culturally acceptable alternative to rib-cartilage methods for conchal-type microtia in Xizang. It avoids rib cartilage donor-site morbidity, shortens recovery, and expands access to specialized care in remote, high-altitude regions.