THE USE OF 3-DIMENSIONAL MODELS IN AURICULAR RECONSTRUCTION

Reconstruction of the microtic auricle is a difficult process requirin g considerable experience and dedication to detail. It is a multistage proposition requiring the talents of both the reconstructive surgeon and the otologic surgeon. Reconstruction of the external ear usually p recedes the reconstruction of the middle ear. Often, a template is use d by the reconstructive surgeon to aid in this complicated process, Tr aditionally, templates used by the reconstructive surgeon have been 2 dimensional (usually x-ray paper) and made from the opposite normal ea r or another normal ear in cases of bilateral microtia. Use of a 2-dim ensional model only provides a rough estimate of the cartilage framewo rk needed, Considerable experience is therefore needed to get this car tilage framework ''just right.'' We have developed a number of 3-dimen sional synthetic templates to aid in the creation of an accurate carti lage framework implant. These templates serve as a more accurate guide in the complex cartilage carving and assembly process. The use of 3-d imensional templates has improved our technical reconstructive results in a small number of patients. We present these results and propose f uture application of these ideas.