Advances in the Application of Microsurgical Techniques in Repairing Traumatic Auricular Defects

OBJECTIVES: Auricular reconstruction is one of the most challenging procedures in plastic surgery. However, traumatic auricular defects present more uncertainty and complexity than congenital microtia with various surgical options in auricular reconstruction. The purpose of this article is to review advances in the use of microsurgical techniques for the treatment of traumatic ear defects. METHODS: Three databases, PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, have been used to gather the most relevant papers discussing the topic. This paper searched for studies from 1980 to 2023: searching for a range of keywords such as "post-traumatic ear deformities," "free flap," and "free facial flap." Using this method, studies related to free flaps in posttraumatic ear reconstruction were reviewed and discussed. RESULTS: Fifty-four studies related to auricular reconstruction using different free flaps were obtained through screening. CONCLUSION: The microsurgical technique for auricular reconstruction requires both exceptional auricular reconstruction skills and microsurgical expertise due to its intricate nature. Nevertheless, microsurgical techniques remain a valuable avenue of investigation and can provide satisfactory surgical outcomes in appropriately selected patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level V.