Autologous ear reconstruction for microtia does not result in loss of cutaneous sensitivity.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Cutaneous sensitivity of microtia reconstruction has been sparsely documented. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether there is a loss of cutaneous sensitivity following two-stage autologous ear reconstruction for unilateral microtia. METHODS: A prospective study was performed including unilateral microtia patients who underwent two-stage autologous ear reconstruction performed by a single plastic surgeon between 2011 and 2016. Standardized sensory testing (i.e., temperature discrimination and Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments) was executed at 11 predefined anatomical points of the affected and unaffected ears preoperatively and at 6 and 12 months postoperatively. RESULTS: Thirty-eight patients were included. Affected and unaffected sides presented similar (all p > 0.05) preoperative cutaneous sensitivity. Most (72.7 percent) of the tested points showed (all p < 0.05) preservation or recovery of cutaneous sensitivity at 12 months postoperatively. When comparing the reconstructed ears with the unaffected ears, there was no significant difference (all p > 0.05) in most (72.7 percent) of the tested points, except (all p < 0.05) at those points involving the postauricular sulcus. CONCLUSION: There is a temporary cutaneous sensitivity loss after a two-stage autologous microtia reconstruction, which returned to similar preoperative sensitivity at 12-month follow-up, except in the postauricular sulcus. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.
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All current studies on recovery of sensation after ear reconstruction have reported on autologous reconstruction with CF coverage.
“When it comes to the recovery of sensation after ear reconstruction, all current studies have reported on autologous reconstruction with CF coverage.”
From Postoperative Cutaneous Sensory Recovery After Different Surgical Approaches for Microtia and Ear Reconstruction (2025) · cites this paper as [12]
The study's results align with previous studies evaluating sensation after ear reconstruction and extend those findings by directly contrasting CF and FSG techniques.
“Nonetheless, our results align with previous studies evaluating sensation after ear reconstruction11–13 and, for the first time, extend those findings by directly contrasting CF and FSG techniques.”
From Postoperative Cutaneous Sensory Recovery After Different Surgical Approaches for Microtia and Ear Reconstruction (2025) · cites this paper as [12]
Denadai et al noted recovered sensation at 12 months postreconstruction, with the exception of the postauricular sulcus.
“Denadai et al12 noted recovered sensation at 12 months postreconstruction, with the exception of the postauricular sulcus, which was reconstructed with skin grafting after elevation.”
From Postoperative Cutaneous Sensory Recovery After Different Surgical Approaches for Microtia and Ear Reconstruction (2025) · cites this paper as [12]
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“…2 comprehensive studies analyzed protective sensory outcomes in 2-stage autologous-based cutaneous coverage reconstruction using monofilament tests, 12,13 whereas no studies have measured and compared sensation in patients who have undergone FSG-based reconstruction with allo-plastic, autologous,…”
- Authors
- Denadai, R., Raposo-Amaral, C. E., Zanco, G. L., & Raposo- Amaral, C. A.
- Affiliations
- Hospital of Sobrapar (BR)
- From the Institute of Plastic and Craniofacial Surgery, SOBRAPAR Hospital.
- ORCID
- Denadai, Rafael
- Venue
- Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
- Published
- 2019-04
- Volume
- 143
- Issue
- 4
- Pages
- 808e-819e
- ISSN
- 0032-1052 (ISSN-L)
- OpenAlex
- W2934446782
- Cited by
- 12
- References
- 64
- Citations by year
- 2026: 1 · 2025: 3 · 2023: 1 · 2022: 1 · 2021: 3 · 2019: 3
- FWCI
- 1.67
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Surgery › Reconstructive Facial Surgery Techniques
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Genetics › Congenital Ear and Nasal Anomalies
- Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Genetics › Craniofacial Disorders and Treatments
- Keywords
- microtia, two-stage reconstruction, cutaneous sensitivity, sensory impairment, temperature discrimination, Semmes-Weinstein monofilament
- MeSH terms
- Adolescent, Child, Female, Humans, Male, Postoperative Care, Prospective Studies, Sensation Disorders, Sensory Thresholds, Skin Physiological Phenomena, Transplantation, Autologous, Plastic Surgery Procedures, Congenital Microtia
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