Replantation of a totally amputated ear by means of a platysma musculocutaneous sandwich flap

A total amputation of an ear from an automobile accident was salvaged by suturing the fragments of the skeletonized auricular cartilage and reattaching it to its original position "sandwiched" in a platysma musculocutaneous flap. The anterior portion of this flap was subsequently removed to apply a skin graft to the thin platysma muscle left over the convolutions of the auricular cartilage. This technique represents the application of the principle of bringing blood supply to avascular tissue in order to salvage it.