Clinical Application of Carving Template With 3D Reconstruction Technique for Personalized and Precise Treatment of Traumatic Ear Defects

We explored the clinical application of a 3-dimensional (3D) digital reconstruction technique for personalized and precise traumatic ear defect treatment. A 3D scanner was used to obtain 3D images of the unaffected ear. The data were converted into an ear contour model through mirroring using the software, and imported to a rapid prototyping 3D printer to construct an ipsilateral ear model. For treating different types of ear defect patients with individualized treatment programs, the defective ear model was constructed with individualized autogenous costal cartilage carving. We constructed ipsilateral ear defect models in 16 cases and rebuilt the auricular with >10 outer ear substructure units, maintaining a stable cranial angle. At the 6-month follow-up, the reconstructed ear was similar to the unaffected one, and the patient satisfaction was high. Based on a paired t test, the differences in the width of both auricles was statistically significant, with P values of 0.023, respectively. The differences in the P values of the auricle length, circumference and height, at 0.261, 0.333, and 0.197, respectively, were not statistically significant. Compared to the model utilizing the traditional 2D film template of the ear, the 3D reconstruction technology was more intuitive and stereoscopic, and the personalized ear reconstruction was accurate. Thus, 3D digital technology can avail the most suitable personalized treatment for various traumatic ear defects. It can assist in precisely engraving the reconstructed cartilage stent and objectively analyzing the postoperative results. The therapeutic effect was significant.