A novel graft-harvesting technique in tympanoplasty: the cubism graft

Background The slicing method that is used for thinning the cartilage graft may cause forming complications in tympanoplasty. Besides, double-layered grafting techniques may be required when graft medialization is observed. Method This article presents a new and controlled graft cartilage thinning and the cubism graft-harvesting technique in tympanoplasty. Conclusion Thanks to this new technique, over-curling and undesirable fractures of the cartilage island graft can be prevented and the obtained cartilaginous dust can be mixed with platelet-rich fibrin to form the cubism graft. This combined cartilage thinning and cubism graft technique provided 100% graft success and an average air–bone gap gain of 16.3 ± 2.9 dB (10.7–22.3 dB) in our series of 22 patients. In conclusion, 100% graft success, successful tympanic membrane re-epithelialization and significant auditory improvement can be achieved with this method.