Anatomical Study of the Superior Auricular Artery Using 3-Dimensional Computed Tomography Angiography

Abstract

BACKGROUND The superior auricular artery (SAA)–retroauricular flap is commonly used for the repair of defects of the superior auricle. There are few studies about the anatomy of the SAA. OBJECTIVE This study mainly analyzed the anatomical pattern of SAA. MATERIALS AND METHODS Computed tomography (CT) was performed on 26 cadaver heads infused with lead oxide. The anatomical pattern of the SAA was statistically analyzed by 3-dimensional CT images. RESULTS The SAA was classified into 3 types according to whether it gave off the helix branch or the auricular dorsal branch. The SAA was located mainly in an area 2 cm above and below the horizontal line at the midpoint of the 2 base points (the otobasion superius and the apex of the external auditory canal). The origin of each branch of the SAA was mainly located in Areas 2, 3, and 4 within a circular area that had the otobasion superius as the center of the circle and a radius of 2 cm. CONCLUSION In this study, the 3 anatomical types and anatomical patterns of the SAA were identified. These findings can provide a reference for the design of SAA–retroauricular flaps and for surgical planning.