Abstract: Objective To explore a carving-assembling method to fabricate an autologous costal cartilage framework for auricular reconstruction. Methods From Jan. 2011 to Jan. 2012, 545 cases received auricular reconstruction. Among all the cases, 285 cases were treated with modified Nagata method, others with expanded retroauricular flap. Ear framework was fabricated in layers using splicing method with 6th to 8th costal cartilage. The framework includes helix, antihelix, scapha, triangular fossa, superior crus of antihelix, tragus, antitragus and concha. Results Six costal frameworks exposed due to local flaps necrosis. Because of infection, 1 case of framework was removed and re-implanted to the ipsilateral chest. All the patients were followed up for 6-12 months. Among them, 488 cases of reconstructed ears obtained vivid details with symmetric size and position, 80 cases of reconstructed ears had undesirable details. Nineteen cases lost to follow-up. Conclusion Fabricating tridimensional autologous costal cartilage framework by carving-assembling methods is safe, stable and practical. It could be an ideal method for auricular reconstruction.

Key words: Carving-assembling method, Ear reconstruction, Autologous costal cartilage, Ear framework