The postauricular fasciocutaneous flap with an adipofascial extension: A case report

Abstract

Introduction A complex defect on the anterior surface of the ear requires flap cover; such as the postauricular skin flap. The postauricular skin flap has never been used with an adipofascial extension. Presentation of case A 5-year old boy was involved in a car accident resulting in an exposed cartilage of the upper part of the right ear. The defect was covered with a post-auricular fasciocutaneous flap with an adipofascial extension. The adipofascial part of the flap was covered with a skin graft. Discussion The adipofascial extension serves two purposes: Firstly, it allows easier primary closure of the donor site. Secondly, it is less bulky and hence it does not observe the definition of the ear cartilage. Conclusion Our case is the first case reported in literature using the post-auricular fasciocutaneous flap with an adipofascial extension.