Comparative study of the effectiveness of the surgical technique with and without preservation of the conchal cartilage in otoplasty through the measure of the cephalo-auricular and scapho-conchal angles

Abstract Objectives Prominent ear abnormalities affect 5% of the population. A prospective, double-blind study of patients who underwent otoplasty procedures to correct these abnormalities was conducted to compare two surgical techniques. They diverge by the preservation or not of conchal cartilage. Methods The two techniques were compared by measuring the cephalo-auricular and scapho-conchal angles. Measurements were performed in pre and 6-months post-operative periods using alginate molding. Twenty patients were randomly assigned to two groups (with and without cartilage preservation) with 10 participants each. Student's t-test, Covariance Analysis Model (ANCOVA), and non-parametric Mann-Whitney were used in the statistical analyses. Results A significant reduction in the average of the cephalo-auricular and scapho-conchal angles was observed in both surgical procedures (p < 0.001). However, no significant difference was found between them (p = 0.887). Conclusion The two techniques analyzed in this study fulfilled their objectives. Therefore, further comparative studies are needed to confirm the superiority of one over the other. Level I Evidence obtained from at least one properly designed randomized controlled trial.

Modified bilateral fasciaperichondrial flap for prominent ear correction

Abstract Objective: Various techniques have been described in the literature for prominent ear correction. These cartilage-preserving or cartilage-shaping techniques have their own advantages and disadvantages. We aim to achieve aesthetic and stable results with low complication rates using combinations of these methods. Herein, we present our results of prominent ear surgery with a modified bilateral fasciaperichondrial flap in combination with concha-mastoid and concha-scaphal sutures. Methods: Patients whose surgeries included a modified bilateral fasciaperichondrial flap for prominent ear deformities were included in the study. Patients' demographic data, pre- and postoperative Concha-Mastoid Angle (CMA) and upper-middle Helix-Mastoid Distances (HMD), follow-up time, complications, secondary operations, and postoperative Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) results were evaluated. With a postauricular fish-mouth incision, the bilateral fasciaperichondrial flap was planned into two: proximal- and distal-based. They were then elevated from the cartilage subperichondrially on the proximal side and supraperichondrially on the distal side. Concha-scaphal sutures were used to form an antihelical rim along with concha-mastoid sutures to reduce the concha-mastoid angle. Conchal cartilage resection was done if needed. Then, the bilateral fasciaperichondrial flaps were sutured together to cover the concha-mastoid and concha-scaphal sutures. Results: Between May 2017 and May 2021, 32 ears of 17 patients were operated on dueto prominent ear deformity. No hematoma or infection was observed in any patient, and there were no instances of recurrence, suture exposure, hypertrophic scars, or keloids. The satisfaction level of all patients was 8.2 ± 0.9 points on average according to the VAS. In the anthropometric measurements, a statistically significant difference was found between preoperative and postoperative sixth month CMA and HMD values. Conclusion: A combination of suture techniques and a modified bilateral fasciaperichondrial flap may be used in prominent ear cases, with low recurrence rates and high patient satisfaction. Level of evidence: III.

Otoplastia en oreja prominente

La oreja alada es la deformidad congénita más frecuente en cabeza y cuello, con una incidencia de 5% en la población caucásica. Queda definida por una distancia entre el hélix y la mastoides mayor a 21 mm o un ángulo mayor a 90° entre la concha auricular y la fosa escafoidea, siendo causada en el 70% de los casos por un antihélix mal plegado. Su corrección, a través de la otoplastia, se vuelve fundamental en prevenir los impactos psicológicos, siendo indicada antes de los 6 a 7 años, cuando la oreja ha alcanzado un ancho similar a la oreja adulta. El abordaje quirúrgico se divide en aquellas técnicas incisionales y no incisionales, cuya tasa de éxito y complicaciones como el otohematoma, necrosis de cartílago y deformidad irreversible, entre otras, son variables. La recidiva varía entre 6% a 12,5%, según el abordaje, no existiendo a la fecha una única técnica de elección. En el presente trabajo se discutirán cuatro técnicas principales: Incisionless, Furnas, mustardé y técnica de los pilares.

The prominent ear is the most common congenital deformity in head and neck, with an incidence of 5% in the Caucasian population. It is defined by a distance between the helix and the mastoid greater than 21 mm or an angle greater than 90° between the concha and the scaphoid fossa, being caused in 70% of the cases by a misfolded antihelix. Its correction, through the otoplasty, becomes essential in preventing psychological impact, being indicated before the age of 6 or 7, when the ear has reached a similar width of an adult ear. The surgical access is classified on incisionless and non-incisionless techniques, where the success rate and complications like hematoma, cartilage necrosis and irreversible deformity, among others, are variables. Recurrence varies between 6%-12.5%, depending on the approach, and to date there is no single technique of choice. In this revision, we will discuss the four principal techniques: Incisionless, Furnas, Mustardé and the abutment technique.

Free costal cartilage combined with helix stretching for correction of Tanzer ⅡB type constricted ear deformity / 中华整形外科杂志

Objective@#To explore the effect of using free costal cartilage combined with helix stretching to correct Tanzer IIB type constricted ear deformity.@*Methods@#From January 2015 to January 2017, free costal cartilage combined with helix stretching method was performed in 8 ears of 6 patients. All patients had Tanzer IIB type constricted ear deformity. Rotation flap and subcutaneous helix tunnel were designed and prepared. Thereafter, the helix cartilage was stretched. The costal cartilage was carved and placed in the helix subcutaneous tunnel. The flap was then rotated to cover the wound.@*Results@#All patients were recovered without significant complication. No flap necrosis or cartilage exposure was observed. Helix and antihelix were obvious. The corrected ears were similar to the healthy side, after 3 to 6 months follow up.@*Conclusions@#The combination of free costal cartilage and helix stretching is an effective method to correct Tanzer ⅡB type constricted ear deformity.

Pinna synthetic mold for otoplasty techniques application / Molde sintético auricular para aplicação de técnicas de otoplastia

Abstract Introduction The ear deformity Tanzer type V, also known as prominent ears, is the most common genetic defect of the pinna. The surgery designed for its correction is known as otoplasty. This esthetic surgery can be performed using different techniques, which requires great skill of its operator. Objective The purpose of this work is the development of a new tool for otoplasty techniques training, aimed on the possibility to minimize errors during the otoplasty. Methods Synthetic molds of the external ear from patients with Tanzer type V deformity were made, using silicone material and rayon. Results The main procedures of otoplasty could be performed in the molds made of silicone and rayon with a good esthetic result. Conclusion The elaborated molds had identical size and shape of a human ear and could be positioned in the same shape of the patient ears. Thus, the synthetic molds were presented as promising simulation tools for the training and surgical enhancement of otoplasty, especially for doctors beginners.

Resumo Introdução A deformidade da orelha tipo V de Tanzer, também conhecida como orelhas proeminentes, é o defeito genético mais comum da aurícula. A cirurgia criada para sua correção é conhecida como otoplastia. Essa cirurgia estética pode ser feita com diferentes técnicas, o que requer grande habilidade de seu operador. Objetivo O objetivo desse trabalho é o desenvolvimento de uma nova ferramenta para o treinamento de técnicas de otoplastia, com o objetivo de minimizar erros durante a otoplastia. Método Foram feitos moldes sintéticos da orelha externa de pacientes com deformidade tipo V de Tanzer com material de silicone e rayon. Resultados Os principais procedimentos de otoplastia foram feitos nos moldes de silicone e rayon com um bom resultado estético. Conclusão Os moldes elaborados tinham tamanho e forma idênticos aos de uma orelha humana e puderam ser posicionados no mesmo formato das orelhas dos pacientes. Assim, os moldes sintéticos foram apresentados como ferramentas de simulação promissoras para o treinamento e aperfeiçoamento cirúrgico da otoplastia, especialmente para médicos iniciantes.

Aesthetic study of helix reconstruction using autologous costal cartilage / 中华整形外科杂志

Objective@#To observe the conditions of the eighth costal cartilage in ear reconstructed patients, and accomplish individualized aesthetic helix fabrication according to the texture and features of the cartilage.@*Methods@#From May 2013 to May 2016, the conditions of the eighth costal cartilages in 415 patients who received ear reconstruction with autogenous costal cartilage in our hospital were analyzed, during which, the length, width, flexibility, and plasticity that were closely related with the reconstruction of the helix attracted predominant attentions. During the surgery, based on the features of the above-mentioned aspects, 4 different methods were used to achieve reasonable length and strength of the helix as well as natural jointing between the helix and ear lobe.@*Results@#Four possible methods of using the eighth costal cartilage to reconstruct the helix were summarized and an autogenous costal cartilage framework that was individualized and with natural appearance was obtained.@*Conclutions@#According to the conditions of the eighth costal cartilage, a more satisfactory appearance of the reconstructed ear than ever before is obtained by choosing relevant helix fabrication programs.

Treatment and outcome of postoperative infection of rib cartilage framework in ear reconstruction / 中华整形外科杂志

Objective@#To investigate treatment and outcome of rib cartilage framework in ear reconstruction.@*Methods@#12 cases of rib cartilage framework infection in ear reconstruction were retrospectively analysed in the latest four years. Lab examination results showed that staphylococcus aureus were found in 5 cases, coagulase negative staphylococcus in 3 cases, Klebsiella pneumonia in 2 cases, aeromonas hydrophila in 1 case and no bacteria were found in 1 case with regular culture. Debridement, systemic antibiotic therapy, saline irrigations and unobstructed drainage were utilized to treat the infection.@*Results@#The average duration of dressing change was 35 days in 12 cases (12-67 days), of which six cases were cured leaving no obvious or mild change of cartilage framework. Cartilage framework was totally damaged by infection in one case, so the framework had to be removed and debridement was then carried out to control infection. Secondary repair should be taken at least 6 months later. In the rest 5 cases, frameworks were taken out in the early stage of infection. The infected portion of the cartilage was removed and the healthy part was buried subcutaneously in the chest. The expanded postauricular flap and fascia were smoothened. Secondary repair should be performed after 6 months.@*Conclusions@#Effective debridement, irrigations and drainage can be used to control infection of cartilage framework and maintain normal contour and structure of reconstructed auricle. With regards to severe infection, framework should be removed as early as possible and infected portion of cartilage should be cleared out, while healthy part could be used for secondary reconstruction of auricular contour after complete control of infection.

Avaliação computadorizada digital das medidas auriculares em otoplastias / Digital computerized analysis of auricle measures in otoplasties

Introdução: Nos últimos anos, a literatura vem se enriquecendo de medidas quantitativas, principalmente pelo advento do processamento digital de imagens, procedimento não invasivo e bastante preciso. O objetivo do presente estudo é avaliar as medidas em visão anterior no pré e pós-operatório de pacientes submetidos à otoplastia através de análise computadorizada de fotografias digitais. Métodos: O estudo retrospectivo foi realizado numa série consecutiva de casos no período de fevereiro de 2014 a abril de 2015. Foram realizadas medidas no terço superior, médio e inferior das orelhas. Resultados: Do total de 103 pacientes, 47 eram do sexo masculino e 56 do sexo feminino. A técnica de enfraquecimento do pavilhão, pela confecção de ilhas cartilaginosas múltiplas, associada à sutura com fio inabsorvível incolor, foi utilizada em 56 pacientes; a ressecção de cartilagem conchal isolada em um paciente e a combinação das técnicas anteriormente descritas em 47. O resultado da medida auricular em visão frontal nos pontos previamente descritos, realizada através da análise computadorizada, demonstrou uma redução média importante no terceiro mês de pós-operatório. Conclusão: No presente estudo, demonstrou-se que a avaliação fotográfica digital pode estimar medidas da orelha com alta reprodutibilidade, corroborando o emprego da fotografia digital na estimativa não invasiva dessas variáveis, como opção de custo reduzido e alta disponibilidade na prática clínica. Em conclusão, a análise antropométrica computadorizada em visão frontal, utilizando fotografias digitais pré e pós-operatórias é uma alternativa aos métodos de medidas tradicionais utilizados para avaliação de resultados em otoplastias.

Introduction: Recently a number of studies have been published on quantitative measures mainly for the prominence of digital imaging processing, which is a non-invasive and precisely procedure. This study assessed measures in anterior view before and after surgery of patients who underwent otoplasty using computer analysis of digital images. Methods: A retrospective study was performed on a consecutive series from February 2014 to April 2015. Measures were done in the upper third, middle and bottom of the ears. Results: Of 103 patients, 47 were men and 56 women. We used the technique of weakening the cartilage by making multiple posterior islands associated with non-absorbable suture in 56 patients, an isolated conchal cartilage resection in 1 patient and combination of all techniques in 47 patients. The result of auricle measure in frontal viewing at previous measured points performed using computer analysis showed a significant mean reduction in the third month after surgery. Conclusion: Digital image assessment can estimate auricle measure with high repeatability, corroborating with the use of digital images in noninvasive procedures as less expensive and highly available option in clinical practice. The computed anthropometric analysis of digital images in direct frontal view using images taken before and after surgery is an alternative method for traditional measurements to evaluate results in otoplasties.

Uma reconstrução auricular sem precedentes / Un unprecedent auricular reconstruction

As auricular reconstruction is a very difficult procedure, patients are unfortunately sometimes found in doctor's surgeries who have previously been operated on with disastrous results that are impossible to correct or improve upon with known methods. Some of these patients accept the result achieved, while others do not and thus seek a better solution. What is to be presented now cannot be found in other publications and may be added to the specialty's arsenal as a new method. This work focuses on a twenty-one-year-old patient born with microtia on the right side who, between the age of six and the day of their consultation, had undergone twenty-five unsuccessful operations. Casuistry and method: Only one case was operated on and the method consisted of the transfer of all the retroauricular skin from the left ear in order to cover the right auricular region and thus create an ear. The fingertips of the 2nd and 3rd fingers of the right hand were used as vectors. Result: The author had a satisfactory result within the desired expectations. Conclusion: It is possible to use finger tips as a vector for the transfer of auricular flaps for complicated cases of auricular or facial reconstruction...

Por ser a reconstrução auricular um procedimento muito difícil, infelizmente encontram-se nos consultórios alguns pacientes já operados e com resultados desastrosos, impossíveis de serem corrigidos ou melhorados com os métodos já conhecidos. Alguns pacientes se conformam com o resultado conseguido, mas outros não e procuram uma melhor solução. O que vai se apresentar agora não consta em outras publicações e pode ser incluído no arsenal da especialidade como método novo. Este trabalho trata de um paciente, 21 anos, que nasceu com microtia do lado direito, que desde os 6 anos, até o dia da consulta, já tinha sido submetido a vinte e cinco operações, sem sucesso. Casuística e método: Um caso, que foi operado, cujo método consistiu em transferir toda a pele retroauricular da orelha esquerda, para cobrir a região auricular direita, fazendo assim uma orelha. Usaram-se como vetores as polpas dos dedos 2° e 3° da mão direita. Resultado: O autor ficou satisfeito com o resultado alcançado. Conclusão: É possível usar as polpas digitais como vetor para transferir retalhos auriculares para casos complicados de reconstrução auricular ou facial...

Otoplastia, nueva alternativa quirúrgica / Otoplasty, a new surgical alternative

Entre las diferentes anomalías que se pueden encontrar en la región de cabeza y cuello, las orejas en pantalla se encuentran entre las más frecuentes. Las causas más comunes son una cavidad desproporcionada de la concha y falta del desarrollo del pliegue del antehélix. Existen diversas técnicas para la corrección de estas anomalías, entre las más usadas están la de Pitanguy, Converse, Stenvers, Stenstrõm y Mustarde. El objetivo de la otoplastia es reducir el ángulo formado por la oreja y la cabeza, hasta unos 25 a 30 grados, y en los casos indicados la reducción y reacomodación de la concha con la consecuente disminución del tamaño del pabellón. Este tipo de intervención quirúrgica puede realizarse en personas de 7 años en adelante. La técnica que utilizamos es una combinación entre las técnicas descritas por Pintanguy, Stenvers, Stenstrõm y Mang, además de una modificación personal al islote descrito por este último autor, para buscar un antehélix con un pliegue lo más natural posible. No existe una técnica universal que corrija adecuadamente todos los aspectos estéticos de las orejas prominentes, por tanto, se utilizan técnicas combinadas que llenen las expectativas funcionales y estéticas de los pacientes.

Prominent ears are one of the most frequent deformities found in head and neck. The most common causes are an excessively deep conchal bowl or an inadequate antihelical fold growth. There are variety of surgical techniques to correct this anomaly. Among the most used are Pitanguy´s, Converse´s,Stenvers´s, Stenstrõm´s and Mustarde´s techniques. The aim of the otoplasty is to reduce the anglebetween the ear and the mastoid skin to a 25 to 30 degrees, and in some cases reduction and change in the position of the conchal bowl with the subsequent decrease of the ear size. This type of surgical technique might be performed in kids 7 years or older. In order to get the most natural antihelix foldpossible a combination of the Pitanguy´s, Stenvers´s, Stenstrõm´s and Mang´s technique was performed,besides of a personal change to the small isle described by the last author. There is not a single technique that manage all the aesthetic aspects of the prominent ear; therefore a combination of different techniques are used in order to satisfy the functional and esthetic patient´s needs.

Surgical Correction of the Prominent Ear using the Posterior Approach

In prominent ears, major common deformities are a poorly developed antihelical fold and the formation of excessive conchal cartilage, in particular the posterior conchal wall. Goal of the surgical correction of prominent ears is narrowing of the conchoscaphal angle by folding of the antihelix and reduction of the concha. In this study, cartilage sparing otoplasty is refined by the addition of minimal dissection of the medial and lateral margin of the medial and lateral cut cartilage through the posterior approach and horizontal mattress sutures between two margins. A total of 9 patients were operated between 1999 and 2001. Among them, 4 patients were bilateral and 5 patients were unilateral. There were no hematomas. There was mild recurrence of the upper antihelical fold in one patient who requested further surgery. Two patients developed suture extrusion. This technique is a simple and safe procedure with reliable results and does not cause anterior scarring or skin necrosis.

One stage otoplasty with compound framework of Medpor and homogenous rib cartilage / 中华医学美学美容杂志

Objective To find a better method to reconstruct total ear in one stage. Methods In the procedure, a compound framework was formed, in which Medpor acted as ear framework and homogenous rib cartilage as helix-framework after being sculptured, then they were vamped together. The formed framework was covered with adjacent skin flap and homogenous skin graft after it had been covered with superficial temporal fascia flap. Results From January 2001 to Augest 2003, 8 cases of congenital microtia or antotia were treated in this way, and all of them obtained satisfactory appearance in auricle. Conclusion The reconstructed ear has a delicate structure and good appearance, and looks and feels as a real one by this new procedure.

Surgical Management of Congenital Aural Atresia / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND: Some authors recommend the surgical correction at early childhood in the selected cases of unilateral atresia as well as bilateral atresia. It has been enabled due to the improvement of imaging technique and it gives cosmetic satisfaction and biaural hearing. OBJECTIVES: The authors laid emphasis on the timing of canaloplasty in unilateral atresia, stage of canaloplasty, and postoperaitve hearing results. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of surgical results of congenital aural atresia from 1983 to 1995 in Seoul National University Hospital was performed. RESULTS: Forty four patients had unilateral atresia and 16 patients had bilateral atresia. Age range at the time of surgery was from 5.3 years to 14.6 years: average age was 8.1 years. Otoplasty was performed in 22 ears by plastic surgeons. It took precedence over canaloplasty in 17 ears. The endaural anterior approach through incision from temporal area to cavum cocha was performed in these cases. Meatal stenosis was the most common postoperative complication, but it has been decreased since the introduction of modification of anterior approach. The surgical attempts to improve hearing could not be performed in 14 ears due to various reasons. The audiologic follow-up period in the remaining 60 ears ranged from 1 year 9 months to 8 year 8 months(mean, 3 year 8 months). By analyzing final air conduction level, it was possible to attain 30 dB or better in 18(30%) of 60 cases and 40 dB or better in 36(60%) of 60 cases. CONCLUSION: The authors recommend the surgical correction at early childhood in unilateral atresia. and the otoplasty should be performed at first and it seems to be better in view of early audiologic rehabilitation that canaloplasty would be performed before the stage of elevation of rib cartilage graft. Meatal stenosis can be reduced by modification of anterior approach.