"Man vs. Machine: 3D Milling of Auricular Frameworks".

This article evaluates the feasibility and efficiency of using 3D milling technology to produce auricular frameworks from cadaveric costal cartilage (CCC) for microtia reconstruction, traditionally performed by manual carving of autologous rib cartilage. The study demonstrated that a complete en bloc auricular framework could be milled from CCC in approximately 27 minutes—significantly faster than the 1-2 hours required for manual carving—while achieving 71.6% volumetric similarity and minimal dimensional discrepancies compared to a manually carved model. This method has the potential to reduce operative time, donor site morbidity, and healthcare costs, while enabling accurate, reproducible, and potentially patient-specific ear reconstruction. Future steps include ensuring sterility of the milled frameworks, optimizing workflow for clinical application, and assessing the biological effects of milling on cartilage.