A Modified Closed Cartilage-Preserving Otoplasty Technique for Prominent Ear Correction

BACKGROUND: In the surgical correction of prominent ear, a technique known as percutaneous adjustable closed otoplasty (PACO), which does not involve skin incision, undermining, or cartilage manipulation, has been developed to resolve problems including hematoma, infection, contour deformities, prolonged use of a compressive dressing, and hospitalization. We modified this procedure to make it more practical and accessible and to achieve better results. In this article, we introduce our modifications and demonstrate the clinical applicability of the modified procedure to patients with hardened auricular cartilage. METHODS: Two adult patients with prominent upper ears underwent closed otoplasty in an outpatient setting. Based on the anatomical features of the patients, three lines for traction sutures were designed on the scapha and counter scapha. Tab incisions were made at all predetermined puncture sites. Three antihelix-forming sutures (4-0 nylon) were put in place via percutaneous punctures. The sutures were performed from the counter scapha to the postauricular sulcus subcutaneously, using an 18-mm empty curved needle. The sutures were scraped over the mastoid bone such that they were anchored to the mastoid periosteum. After determining an adequate auriculocephalic distance, the sutures were tied at the postauricular sulcus. A slight overcorrection was made to compensate for post-surgical relapse. RESULTS: We observed no complications such as hematoma, infection, contour deformities, epithelial inclusion cyst formation, suture extrusion, or dimples on the scapha. At a long-term follow-up examination, the patients had well-defined antihelical folds and were satisfied with the aesthetic results of the procedure. CONCLUSIONS: We propose our technique as a reliable treatment option for the correction of prominent ear.

A Wrapping Method for Inserting Titanium Micro-Mesh Implants in the Reconstruction of Blowout Fractures

Titanium micro-mesh implants are widely used in orbital wall reconstructions because they have several advantageous characteristics. However, the rough and irregular marginal spurs of the cut edges of the titanium mesh sheet impede the efficacious and minimally traumatic insertion of the implant, because these spurs may catch or hook the orbital soft tissue, skin, or conjunctiva during the insertion procedure. In order to prevent this problem, we developed an easy method of inserting a titanium micro-mesh, in which it is wrapped with the aseptic transparent plastic film that is used to pack surgical instruments or is attached to one side of the inner suture package. Fifty-four patients underwent orbital wall reconstruction using a transconjunctival or transcutaneous approach. The wrapped implant was easily inserted without catching or injuring the orbital soft tissue, skin, or conjunctiva. In most cases, the implant was inserted in one attempt. Postoperative computed tomographic scans showed excellent placement of the titanium micro-mesh and adequate anatomic reconstruction of the orbital walls. This wrapping insertion method may be useful for making the insertion of titanium micro-mesh implants in the reconstruction of orbital wall fractures easier and less traumatic.