• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제32권4호
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• pp.511-515
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• 2005

Autologous cartilage grafts have become an integral part of aesthetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. However, little objective information is available about the actual quantitative resorption of cartilage in human. This study sought to objectively quantify and compare the resorption of costal cartilage in human. To compare the resorption characteristics of rib cartilage autografts, we harvested rib cartilage grafts from 37 microtia patients. All autografts were implanted subcutaneously on chest and then removed after 6 to 17 months. Graft mass and volume were compared before and after implantion. Rib cartilage grafts with perichondrium averaged $10.8{\pm}7.4%$ resorption by volume, On the other hand rib cartilage grafts without perichondrium $25.5{\pm}6.8%$. There was no evidence of necrosis or inflammatory changes. The rib cartilage is the preferred source of autogenous cartilage for auricular reconstruction. Short-term resorption of rib cartilage without perichondrium appears to be higher than with perichondrium. The low resorption of cartilage with perichondrium may be due to in part to cartilage forming capacity of the perichondrium. It remains to be seen whether these differences in resorption persist in the long term.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제35권6호
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• pp.703-708
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• 2008

Purpose: Microtia is a congenital anomaly resulting from abnormal development of the branchial apparatus. Although significant modification and improvement of operative procedures for the reconstruction of the auricle with a natural appearance have been reported, postoperative complications, such as infection, flap necrosis and deformity, still remain serious problems in patients. Many studies with long-term results have focused mainly on operative procedures for an acceptable auricular shape without consideration of possible complications. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study on postoperative complications at the recipient sites of 183 patients who underwent auricular reconstruction with autologous rib cartilage grafts from November 1987 to January 2007 at the Division of Pediatric Plastic Surgery, Seoul National University Children's Hospital. Patients were analyzed in terms of the kinds and incidences of complications, and their treatment options. Results: Postoperative complications included wound dehiscence, flap necrosis, infection, hypertrophic scar, auricular deformity and absorption of rib cartilage grafts. The complications occurred in 47 patients with a complication rate of 25.7%. Fourteen patients were successfully managed with conservative treatment. However, surgical treatment was required in 51 reoperations(33 patients) of total 329 operations. Conclusion: Postoperative complications at the recipient sites of autologous rib cartilage grafts occurred with relatively high incidences and required long-term treatments and multiple surgeries. The results of this study may provide information on the causes and proper management of postoperative complications as well as safe procedures for the reconstruction of the auricle.