Eyelid reconstruction using cartilage grafts from auricular scapha

The main goal, in eyelid reconstruction, is to promote an adequate protection to the ocular globe, through the reconstitution of all anatomic plans. In order to obtain adequate stability, cartilage grafts are often used in the repair of the internal lamella. Cartilage grafts from auricular scapha in contact with the bulbar conjunctiva were used in this study. Nineteen patients with various pathologies had 20 eyelid reconstructions using this technique (10 cutaneous tumors, 7 post-traumatic, and 3 cases of lower eyelid retraction). Local cutaneous flaps (glabella, Mustardè, etc) were used to reconstruct the external lamella. Epithelialization on the perichondrium (confirmed by the histological examination) occurs between 3 to 4 weeks. The functional and aesthetic result was considered good in 14 cases (70%), acceptable in 5 (25%) and poor in one case (5%). The donor area showed no complications or deformities. The shape of the scapha allows satisfactory conformation of the graft to the curvature of the ocular globe; it is not flat like the nasal septum, and has a smoother curvature than the auricular concha. Furthermore, it is thinner and that is another reason why the aesthetic result was superior to the technique previously used. The functional results were similar. Received: 20 June 1998 / Accepted: 21 September 1998