Abstract: Objective To measure the distance from helix to mastoid skin, in order to achieve an acceptable projection of the ear and be symmetrical with the normal contralateral ear if present. Methods The distance from the upper, middle, and lower third of helix to mastoid skin of 100 healthy normal ears were measured. Meanwhile three-dimensional measurement models were made in 5 normal ears. Results The distance from helix to mastoid skin were (1.41±0.18) cm in upper third, (1.98± 0.26) cm in mid-portion and (1.66±0.26) cm in lower third. It was interesting that the distance from helix to mastoid skin of mid-dle third was higher than that of upper and lower third in Chinese population, not in accordance with McDowell's standard, in which the distance of lower third was higher than that of upper and middle. The software analysis result of the 5 3-dimensional measurement models was in accordance with manually measurements above. Conclusion In normal ears, the distance from the middle third of helix to mastoid skin is higher than that of upper and lower third in Chinese population, the shape and height of support material in the second stage of ear reconstruction should be made based on the above measurements.

Key words: Ear reconstruction, Measurement, Helix, Mastoid