Application of the digital technology in the reconstruction of congenital microtia

Objective To explore the effect of applying the digital technology in the reconstruction of congenital microtia. Methods CT data of 40 patients with congenital microtia were collected by using software (Mimics 17.01) and three-dimensional printing. And the three-dimensional reconstruction of costal cartilage and ear model was performed. The effectiveness and feasibility of the digital assisted technology in the reconstruction of congenital microtia could be established, by contrasting the pre-three-dimensional reconstruction and the morphology of the costal cartilage harvested during surgery and comparing the imaging data of the auricles before and after surgery. Results 40 patients were satisfied with the appearance of the auricle after the restoration. The rib cartilage obtained during the operation was consistent with the preoperative data simulation. The trauma of the operation and the operation time were reduced. There was no statistically significant difference between both auricle length and width for the reconstructed ear and those of the normal ear, auricle length mean (62.10±6.82)mm vs (60.31±6.18)mm, auricle width mean (26.10±2.26)mm vs (25.40±2.32)mm, P>0.05, respectively. Conclusions The application of digital assisted technique in congenital microtia correction could accurately display the tissue structure of the operation area, which was helpful to preoperative design, reduce intraoperative injury and achieve satisfactory surgical result . Key words: Digital technology; Congenital microtia; Reconstruction; Ear model; Precise