TWO STAGE EAR RECONSTRUCTION IN CHILDREN BITED BY DOGS
Objective. Acquired auricular defects is one of the most difficult problem in pediatric reconstructive surgery. The most frequent mechanism of trauma is animal bite. Clinical case. A 12 years old girl suffered from an ear defect due to a dog bite. A 5 years old boy got an injury of the helix of the auriculaas a result of a dog bite. A 12 years old boy presented with an auricular defect, involving helix. All children underwent two stage ear reconstruction. Cosmetic result is well. Discussion. There are different methods of ear reconstruction. Each surgeon tries to choose the most appropriate one depending on condition. In cases of helix or scaphoid fossa wedge shaped defects whichaffect 20% of ear square or less, we suggest the two stage ear reconstruction with the use of amputated cartilage and cover with posterior auricular skin flap. If a defect involves the helix only, when other structures are intact reconstruction can be performed with posterior auricular flap without cartilage. In this case cosmetic result is well. Conclusion. Inspite the variety of reconstructive methods, a successful one is demonstrated in this clinical series. Though the surgeon always gets to choose depending on the conditions.