Surgical Anatomy of the Ear and Neighboring Regions

Abstract

The purpose in presenting the anatomy of the ear and neighboring regions is to describe the basic information regarding the possibility of creating cutaneous and condrocutaneous flaps, which are extremely important in order to repair congenital and acquired deformities of the auricle. The superficial temporal artery, posterior auricular artery, and occipital artery provide a superficial vascular network that supplies the cutaneous flaps. Also there is another required blood supply coming from deep tissue passing on the anterior border of the mastoid bone, providing important vascular support to create the pedicle of the future auricle during reconstruction on congenital and acquired anomalies. When ear reconstruction is performed on acquired deformities the pedicle of the future auricle is created near the auditory canal without subcutaneous undermining on the posterior border of the external auditory meatus, preserving the future conchal cavity. On the other hand, the position of the future pedicle of the auricle will be located on the center of the future ear projection when it comes to reconstruction an ear’s congenital anomalies. In both groups of surgeries the creation of the pedicle of the future ear is a fundamental step because it will provide blood supply and sensibility as well to the reconstructed auricle. Therefore, to create the auricular pedicle is the main anatomical structure during surgery, which is responsible for improvement of blood supply avoiding postoperative complications.