Auricular & Nasal Reconstruction Flashcards

In nasal prosthetics, which anatomical zone is most critical to replicate accurately to avoid detection at conversational distances?

Answer: The soft tissue triangle and alar-facial groove

The soft tissue triangle and alar-facial groove define the natural light-shadow interface at the base of the nose and are most scrutinized during face-to-face interaction.

A patient with a partial auricular defect retains the tragus and conchal bowl. Which prosthetic design approach is most esthetically and functionally appropriate?

Answer: Design a partial prosthesis that integrates with and uses retained anatomy as a foundation

A partial prosthesis designed to integrate with retained auricular anatomy maximizes esthetics, reduces prosthetic bulk, and may allow the natural tragus to aid retention.

When using a facial mold to fabricate a nasal prosthesis, why must the nostril apertures be blocked with wax prior to impression taking?

Answer: To prevent undercut formation in the nares that would lock the impression material

Blocking the nostril apertures with wax prevents impression material from flowing into the nares and creating undercuts that would make mold separation impossible.

Which pigment behavior difference must the anaplastologist account for when coloring platinum-cured silicone versus peroxide-cured silicone prostheses?

Answer: Platinum silicone is inhibited by sulfur-containing pigments; peroxide silicone is less sensitive

Sulfur-containing pigments (some cadmium-based colors and certain cosmetic pigments) inhibit platinum catalyst curing, leaving uncured, sticky silicone in affected areas.

What is the primary advantage of using a three-piece mold over a two-piece mold for auricular prosthesis fabrication?

Answer: It eliminates flash lines in cosmetically critical zones such as the helix

A three-piece mold is designed so that parting lines fall in less visible areas, reducing the need for trimming and blending on the exposed helix rim.

A nasal prosthesis patient reports that their prosthesis lifts at the superior margin during facial animation. Which modification is most likely to correct this?

Answer: Thin and extend the superior flange and apply a bonding primer to the skin

Thinning the superior flange reduces resistance during animation while extending its footprint, and a bonding primer enhances adhesive bond at the most mobile margin.

Which post-auriculectomy defect characteristic most strongly predicts the need for osseointegrated implant retention rather than adhesive retention?

Answer: Loss of periauricular soft tissue with radiation-induced fibrosis

Radiation-induced fibrosis reduces skin elasticity and adhesive bond strength, making adhesive retention unreliable and osseointegrated implants the preferred alternative.