Tissue engineering and cartilage regeneration for auricular reconstruction

Objective: This paper will provide (a) a review on current status of auricular reconstruction (b) particularly focusing on the current data about pinna reconstruction using stem cells in combination with tissue engineering. Methods: The paper is divided into two sections. The first section presents a brief overview of the current status of auricular reconstruction. In the second section, the authors review the aspects and the current status of stem cells and tissue engineering researches related to cartilage regeneration. Conclusions: Total auricular reconstruction represents one of the greatest challenges for the ENT and Facial Plastic surgeon. The matter of auricular cartilage reconstruction is complex, and progresses in material designs as well as in stem cells field are essential. Even if this bio-technology field is promising, the progresses still are not adequate as patient expectations remain high. (C) 2006 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.