Ear replantation after human bite avulsion injury

J Craniofac Surg. 2011 Jul;22(4):1457-9. doi: 10.1097/SCS.0b013e31821d1879.

Abstract

Traumatic auricular amputation due to human bite is not a common event, but it constitutes a difficult challenge for the reconstructive surgeon. Microsurgery can be performed in some cases, but replantation of a severed ear without microsurgery can be a safe alternative. We present a case of a 44-year-old male individual who was involved in a fight and sustained a human bite, resulting in almost a complete amputation of his right ear. The Baudet technique has been used successfully. It is a simple technique and very reliable because it allows a great surface of contact between the graft and the vascular bed, substantially increasing its odds of survival in cases presenting with high risk of infection such as human bite injury. It also produces excellent aesthetic results.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Amputation, Traumatic / surgery
  • Bites, Human / surgery*
  • Ear Auricle / injuries*
  • Ear Auricle / surgery
  • Esthetics
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Plastic Surgery Procedures / methods*
  • Replantation / methods*
  • Skin Transplantation / methods
  • Surgical Flaps
  • Violence