BACKGROUND: Microtia reconstruction is a challenging procedure, especially in developing nations. The most complex part is learning how to fabricate a framework from costal cartilage. We herein propose a training regimen for ear reconstruction with the use of a plastic eraser. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The texture of a plastic eraser made from polyvinyl chloride is similar to that of human costal cartilage. The first step of the training is carving out the sixth through eighth rib cartilages from a block of plastic eraser. The second step is a fabrication of the framework from plastic rib cartilages, referring to a template from the intact auricle. RESULTS: As plastic erasers are inexpensive and universally available, inexperienced surgeons can repeatedly perform this framework training. Following several of these training sessions in developing nations, the co-authors and local surgeons successfully performed their microtia reconstructions in a reasonable operative time. CONCLUSIONS: This realistic carving model allows surgeons to gain experience before performing an actual ear reconstruction, even in resource-constrained circumstances.
BACKGROUND: Microtia reconstruction is a challenging procedure, especially in developing nations. The most complex part is learning how to fabricate a framework from costal cartilage. We herein propose a training regimen for ear reconstruction with the use of a plastic eraser. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The texture of a plastic eraser made from polyvinyl chloride is similar to that of human costal cartilage. The first step of the training is carving out the sixth through eighth rib cartilages from a block of plastic eraser. The second step is a fabrication of the framework from plastic rib cartilages, referring to a template from the intact auricle. RESULTS: As plastic erasers are inexpensive and universally available, inexperienced surgeons can repeatedly perform this framework training. Following several of these training sessions in developing nations, the co-authors and local surgeons successfully performed their microtia reconstructions in a reasonable operative time. CONCLUSIONS: This realistic carving model allows surgeons to gain experience before performing an actual ear reconstruction, even in resource-constrained circumstances.
Authors: William J Schneider; George D Politis; Arun K Gosain; Mark R Migliori; James R Cullington; Elizabeth L Peterson; D Scott Corlew; Andrew M Wexler; Randall Flick; Allen L Van Beek Journal: Plast Reconstr Surg Date: 2011-06 Impact factor: 4.730
Authors: Jonathan A Cabin; Michael Bassiri-Tehrani; Anthony P Sclafani; Thomas Romo Journal: Facial Plast Surg Clin North Am Date: 2014-09-04 Impact factor: 1.918