Abstract: Objective To explore the feasibility of using digital technology to assist in selective harvesting of costal cartilage and the preparation of ear scaffolds.Methods From October 2016 to August 2017,20 microtia patients accepted ear reconstruction.According to the different physiological characteristics of the costal cartilage and auricle,different number of the costal cartilages were harvested by digital technology navigation for ear reconstruction.Results All the 20 patients completed the operation successfully.The postoperative follow-up was 1.3 years on average.The shape of the reconstructed ear was satisfactory,the incision was uniform,no skin soft tissue necrosis and no cartilage displacement were observed.Conclusion It is a safe and reliable method to apply digital technology to the cutting of costal cartilage,to the design and engraving of the ear.It can improve the precision of autogenous rib cartilage cutting,assist the design and cutting of costal cartilage,and realize the personalized engraving of the ear support.

Key words: Ear reconstruction, Rib cartilage, Auricular scaffold, Digital technology