Since the first report of successful microsurgical ear replantation in
1980, there have been 12 other cases reported in the English literatu
re. As the number of trained microsurgeons increases, the opportunity
to treat the amputated ear with microsurgical techniques should become
more common. The reported cases have involved a variety of different
mechanisms of injury and methods of treatment. There have been three t
echniques used to revascularize the amputated ear successfully: primar
y vascular repair, vein grafting, and use of the superficial temporal
vessels as a pedicled vascular leash. Through our own experience and a
review of the literature, we have been able to identify certain clini
cal characteristics that help dictate which technique to use. We repor
t four cases of successful ear replantation, review the various techni
ques that have been used successfully, and provide treatment recommend
ations for future consideration.