Objective To summarize the current progress of laser-assisted cartilage reshaping (LACR) for prominent ear. Methods The domestic and abroad article concerning the LACR in treatment of prominent ear was reviewed and analyzed. Results As a new technique, there were three types of LACR therapies that been used for prominent ear. LACR with the 1 064 nm Nd/YAG laser is painful and the penetration depth of the 1 064 nm Nd/YAG laser is greater than that of the 1540 nm Er/Glass laser which is caused more tissue injury. LACR with the 1 540 nm Er/Glass laser has high absorption by the ear cartilage and produce less injury to the surrounding tissue. Use of the CO2 laser permitted cartilage reshaping combined with both vaporization and incisions, which complicates the technique, although, with low recurrence rate and definite effect. Insisting on wearing ear mold is the key to get satisfactory effectiveness for postoperative patients. The complications of LACR for prominent ear, such as the dermatitis, perforation of the skin, hematoma, or infection, should be noticed. Conclusion Application of LACR for prominent ear just has a short period of time, limited number of cases, and few relevant literature reports. Its effectiveness needs to be further studied and clarified.
ObjectiveTo preliminarily investigate morghological changes of rabbits reshaping ear cartilage assisted by microdissection needle and explore feasibility of new therapy for ear deformity.MethodsThe bilateral ears of 5 male New Zealand rabbits (aged, 5-6 months) were fixed maintaining the curvature and randomly divided into 2 groups (5 ears in each group). The ears were stimulated by microdissection needle in experimental group and were not treated with stimulation in control group. The skin reaction in the experimental group was observed immediately and at 4 weeks after stimulation. Then, the fixtures were removed at 4 weeks, and the shapes of the ears were observed. The cartilages were harvested from the ears to examined morphological changes after HE staining, and measured the chondrocyte layer thickness.ResultsAll rabbits survived until the end of the experiment. The skin has healed completely after 4 weeks in experimental group. After removing fixtures, the ears in the two groups all maintained certain forms momentarily; while 24 hours later, the ears in the control group mostly recovered original form, and the ears in the experimental group still maintained certain molding form until 8 weeks. HE staining showed there were smooth cartilage and uniform distribution of cells in the control group; the matrix staining was basically consistent; and the skin was normal appearance with epidermis, dermis, and cartilage of normal aspect. But the proliferation of chondrocyte with more layers of cells were observed in the experimental group. In addition, there were degeneration and injury of cartilage cells and connective tissue with necrotic cells and inflammatory cells at needle insertion sites. The chondrocyte layer thickness was (385.714±2.027) μm in the control group and (1 594.732±1.872) μm in the experimental group, there was significant difference between the two groups (t=–759.059, P=0.000).ConclusionRabbit ear cartilage can be effectively reshaped by microdissection needle. Proliferation of chondrocyte and changes in matrix can be found during the reshaping process.