Auricular epithesis.

INTRODUCTION Tumors of the ear are relatively common and usually affect older people. If the tumor is small, a cure can be achieved by total excision and primary closure of the defect. Larger tumors require partial or full amputation of the ear, which negatively affects the aesthetics of the face. For older patients with additional comorbidities, we prefer reconstruction with an epithesis to plastic surgery. We manufacture the epithesis by means of threedimensional (3D) additive manufacturing (AM) technology. The advantages of this approach are a substantially shorter project cycle, with decreased time required to manufacture the epithesis, and excellent results with respect to comfort, aesthetics, and ease of use.