Background: Ear reconstruction with osseointegrated prosthetic implants is a well-established method of reconstruction after resection of skin malignancies on the external ear. There is limited literature reporting technique, outcomes, and patient satisfaction.
Methods: We evaluated our outcomes over a 5-year period looking at osseointegrated prosthetic reconstruction after auriculectomy for external ear skin malignancies. We report demographics, disease characteristics, technique, and complications. The patients were surveyed looking at 6 domains: satisfaction, stability, comfort, ease of use, level of self-consciousness, and preoperative education.
Results: Of the 21 patients included in the study, 14 (67%) were treated for invasive melanoma (Breslow depth, >0.8mm), 4 (19%) for squamous cell carcinoma, 2 (10%) for basal cell carcinoma, and 1 (5%) for an atypical fibroxanthoma. Complications rates were low. There were no cases of infection, hematoma, or bleeding. In 2 patients (9.5%), 1 of the 3 implants failed to osseointegrate and was removed, but the prosthesis was able to be secured with the remaining 2 posts. There were 3 cases (14%) of delayed healing and 1 with excessive granulation tissue growth. Survey results showed high satisfaction in all measured domains.
Conclusions: In cases of skin malignancy requiring total or subtotal auriculectomy, prosthetic ear reconstruction with osseointegrated implants is a good alternative to reconstruction with autologous tissue. Our experience demonstrates good outcomes and with low complication rates and high patient satisfaction.