Reconstitution of the amputated ear remains a challenge to the plastic
surgeon. Reattachment as a composite graft of the total or subtotal a
mputated ear is unreliable. Microsurgical replantation can be performe
d in a minority of cases; however, difficult with adequate venous drai
nage complicates the technical complexity of these cases. To enhance s
urvival of a reattached ear segment, Mladick et al. advocated use of t
he retroauricular pocket principle. This technique involves deepitheli
alization of the amputated part, followed by anatomic reattachment to
the amputation stump and then burial in a retroauricular pocket. This
simple technique increases the surface area of the avulsed segment in
contact with surrounding nutrients, maximizing the probability of ''ta
ke.'' The relationship between the dermis and cartilage is preserved,
thus minimizing the deformity from cartilage warping. The undisturbed
dermis on the involved segment can reepithelialize spontaneously, nega
ting the need for a skin graft. We have used this technique successful
ly in five of six patients.