Craniofacial anomalies associated with microtia: Importance of its repair before, during and after ear reconstruction

Abstract

Distraction osteogenesis is a useful technique for correction of asymmetrical facial structures such as elongation of the mandible and maxillary. When facial bones are undeveloped in association with digenesis of the auricles, it represents even more complex congenital anomalies that require treatment. Distraction osteogenesis may be performed before, during, and after ear reconstruction. When the mandible is elongated alone it improves the soft tissue volume, and necessary it is possible to perform another distraction procedure in the future. When mandible distraction is realized at the time of ear reconstruction, it could occur before spurt, with mandibular elongation and the possibility of other distraction procedures, or after spurt, with maxillary mandibular distraction. The advantage of performing both procedures at the same time is interesting to the patient and surgical team. Distraction osteogenesis could be realized after ear reconstruction and follow the philosophy when it is realized during ear reconstruction.