Selecting Flap Transfer Methods to Repair Helix Soft Tissue Defect Based on the Direction of Long Axis.

BACKGROUND

The posterior auricular flap has long been favored for repairing skin defects on the ear's surface. However, achieving optimal esthetic outcomes in ear reconstruction requires a flexible approach to flap transfer methods. While bipedicle advancement flaps are commonly used for body wound coverage, they are rarely used in auricular defect repair.

OBJECTIVE

To propose a modified flap transfer approach based on the orientation of the auricular defect's long axis and assess the postoperative esthetic outcomes.

METHODS

The authors reported 12 patients treated using 2 distinct flap transfer techniques. Mild to moderate helix soft tissue defects remained after excision of the masses. A direct island flap was created for patients with longitudinal defects to cover the defect. For patients with transverse defects, a combination of bipedicle and island flaps was used for repair. Scar quality and esthetic outcomes were assessed at least 6 months postsurgery using the Scar Cosmesis Assessment and Rating scale.

RESULTS

All patients experienced no serious complications and achieved excellent cosmetic results. Patients undergoing combined flap transfer exhibited relatively more favorable esthetic outcomes.

CONCLUSION

The authors propose a novel concept for repairing helix soft tissue defects by designing local flaps based on the direction of the defect's long axis. For repairing helix soft tissue defects with a long axis parallel to the auricular edge, the combined utilization of bipedicle advancement flap and island rotation flap transfer should be consideration more.