Three Techniques for Reconstruction of Congenital Microtia

Most microtia reconstructions use autologous costal cartilage to re-create an ear. However, certain disadvantages with this method led to the development of another technique using porous polyethylene implants. First described by Dr Alexander Berghaus in 1982, porous implant ear reconstruction (PIER) has become an accepted alternative to costal cartilage for the treatment of microtia. Both techniques have a steep learning curve and are technically challenging. Fewer surgeons use PIER when compared with rib cartilage in part due to less exposure to this technique during training.