Clinical study of autologous concha cartilage transplantation to repair auricle deformities / 中华整形外科杂志

Objective@#To investigate the curative effect of auricular deformity repaired by concha cartilage.@*Methods@#From January 2017 to June 2018, 15 cases with auricular deformities were repaired using the autologous concha cartilage which combined with the retroauricular flap or retroauricular fascia with skin grafting. 9 males and 6 females, aged 10-40 with an average age of 19; 3 cases of upper 1/3 traumatic auricle defect, 2 cases of congenital Stahl's ear, 5 cases of congenital cup-shaped ear and 5 cases of congenital cryptotia.@*Results@#Total 15 patients were followed up for 12-18 months after the surgery. The area of concha cartilage resection was about 0.5 cm×1.0 cm. The shape and size of the repaired ears were similar to the healthy ear. The transplanted cartilages were not absorbed or deformed. The incision was healed well and retroauricular flap, retroauricular fascia, and skin grafting were preserved well without complications like hemorrhage, necrosis, and infection.@*Conclusions@#This method is harmless and simple, which has reliable and satisfactory effects on various auricular deformities.

Cryptotia recurrence lowering technique with additional acellular dermal matrix graft

BACKGROUND: Cryptotia is a congenital anomaly in which the upper part of the retroauricular sulcus is absent and buried underneath the temporal skin. Various surgical techniques have been reported for the correction of cryptotia following Kubo’s V-Y plasty in 1933. Conventional methods using a local skin flap, skin grafting, tissue expansion, Z-plasty, and any of these combined approaches can result in skin deficiency of the upper auricle. The aim of this study was to develop a new method that improves cosmetic results and has fewer complications. METHODS: This study involved four patients in whom five cryptotia deformities were corrected using V-Y plasty and Z-plasty. After elevation of the flap, acellular dermal matrix (ADM; MegaDerm) that was over 5 mm in thickness was applied to the cephalo-auricular angle and positioned to enhance the projection of the ear. Lastly, the flap was transposed to complete the repair. RESULTS: Between January 2014 and February 2018, cryptotia correction with ADM graft was performed in four patients. None of the patients developed a recurrence of cryptotia, and there were no postoperative complications such as wound infection, seroma formation, and dehiscence. In addition, the procedures resulted in a favorable cosmetic appearance. CONCLUSION: Based on these findings, i.e., no recurrence and a favorable cosmetic result, when using an ADM graft, it is suggested that this technique could be an alternative method of cryptotia correction. It could also lessen donor-site morbidity when compared to autologous cartilage grafting and be more cost-effective than using cartilage from a cadaver.

Supra-auricular flap and stretch of scapha cartilage: a method of cryptotia′s treatment / 中华整形外科杂志

Objective@#To explore a simple method of cryptotia correction with good effect.@*Methods@#7 patients and 10 ears were operated on, using a supra-auricular V-Y flap. The auricular muscles′ adhesion with cartilage was sufficiently released, and the scapha cartilage was remodeled by a reverse suture. The flap was rotated to post-auricular to close the wound, and deepenen the auriculocephalic angle.@*Results@#All patients′ ears nearly had a normal appearance and an obvious crus of helix. Patients could wear glasses or respirator easily, as their supra-auricular part was free from the skull. Our technique ensured all scars were hidden behind the ear or in the hair. No patients required revisional surgery.@*Conclusions@#This technique is a simple method , which has a good result , covert scar and low recurrence. We can use it for majority of patients with cryptotia.

Ultra-delicate split-thickness skin graft in continuity with full-thickness skin flap combined with Z-plasty for correction of cryptotia / 中华整形外科杂志

Objective@#To explore the curative effect of ultra-delicate split-thickness skin graft in continuity with full-thickness skin flap combined with Z-plasty for correction of cryptotia.@*Methods@#Four cases (six ears) were corrected by ultra-delicate split-thickness skin graft in continuity with full-thickness skin flap combined with Z-plasty method from 2016 to 2017. Following ear release, the flap is rotated into the defect and donor site covered by a razor-thin graft raised in continuity with the flap, the posterior flap was advanced and sutured with Z-plasty.@*Results@#All corrected auricles four cases (six ears) were followed up from 3 months to 1 year and abtained satisfactory and stable appearance.@*Conclusions@#The shape of auricle is natural and satisfactory after operation. The method is simple and no skin grafting is needed. The adhesion of the hidden muscles and cartilages were sufficiently released.

Comparison between Z-plasty and V-Y Advancement for the Surgical Correction of Cryptotia

BACKGROUND: Cryptotia correction by V-Y advancement of a temporal triangular flap was introduced in 2005. However, despite the several advantages of V-Y advancement, visible scars at the donor site are problematic. As a result, a Z-plasty technique was considered for skin deficiency in mild cases. Therefore, we introduce a new surgical scheme for cryptotia correction based on considerations of techniques and complications that arose in our clinic. METHODS: Between 2000 and 2013, 26 patients (35 cases) of cryptotia were treated. Seventeen patients had unilateral cryptotia and nine had bilateral cryptotia. Two corrective methods were used, Z-plasty or V-Y advancement, based on the severity. In mild cases, Z-plasty was used for correction and in severe cases, V-Y flap advancement was used for more skin supplement. RESULTS: Follow-up periods ranged from 6 months to 1.5 years. The results obtained were relatively favorable. Nine cases of mild deformity were corrected by Z-plasty, and the other 26 cases with mild or severe deformities were corrected by V-Y advancement. In Z-plasty cases, there was one hypertrophic scar and in V-Y advancement cases, seven resulted in visible scarring and three in skin sloughing. CONCLUSION: The main advantage of Z-plasty is a lower likelihood of visible scarring at the donor site. In mild cases, Z-plasty may be a good alternative, but in severe cases, V-Y advancement is probably the best option for more skin supplement.

Correction of Cryptotia using Mastoid Fasciocutaneous Flap and Chondroplasty

Cryptotia is a rare congenital anomaly among Caucasian but more common auricular malformation in Asia. Cryptotia characterized by the anterosuperior portion of the auricle lying beneath mastoid skin. From May of 2005 to May of 2010, three cryptotia were operated on. We use mastoid fasciocutaneous flap (MFF) raised from mastoid region and post-auricular area. And two triangular flaps (TF) which are raised from temporal region can release tension of skin and cover defect of skin. Note that two-thirds of the skin paddle should be taken from the mastoid region. After ear release, MFF and two TF are rotated into the defect. For appropriate correction of the cartilage deformity, the conchal cartilage should be pulled cephalad and fixed to the temporal periosteum. All the patients had a satisfaction for operation. There was no case of partial or full through skin necrosis. There was no wound dehiscence and relapse. The mastoid fasciocutaneous flap is a simple technique, retaining the depth of the auriculocephalic sulcus. This technique can correct deformity of cartilage at same time. There was no distorting hair line, skin color dismatching, visible scar and wound dehiscence.

Plastic and reconstructive surgery of cicateicial cryptotia / 中华医学美学美容杂志

Objective To probe the definition of cicateicial cryptotia and its plastic and reconstructive surgery.Methods Local skin flaps combined with full-thickness skin graft by zonation grafting technique were used to treat twenty-six patients with thirty-three cicateicial cryptotia.A cicateicial adhesion between auricle and cranial wall and mastoidea was removed,cranioaural angle was reformed,and helix and auricular lobule were reconstructed.Results All skin flaps survived,and the survival rate of skin grafts reached over 95 ％.The appearance of auricle was very good,its major constructions might be noted,and cranioaural angle nearly returned to normal.The follow-up results from three months to one year post-operation showed that the appearance of auricle kept well,and the patients felt satisfactory.Conclusions In view of deformity characteristics of cicateicial cryptotia,it might be an effective approach to treat cicateicial cryptotia to take a seris of appropriate surgical procedures.

Correction of Cryptotia by Triangular V-Y Advancement Flap and Rhomboid Flap

PURPOSE: Cryptotia is a congenital deformity in which the upper third of the auricle is buried under the temporal skin. It is rare in Caucasians, yet it is more common in Asians. Although a variety of methods to treat cryptotia have been introduced, there is still no acceptable single procedure that can successfully manage this deformity in its entity. We present a triangular V-Y advancement flap and rhomboid flap for correcting cryptotia that can overcome the diverse shortcomings of the conventional methods. METHODS: This operative method was used to correct 18 auricles in patients ranging in age from 4 to 33 years. A triangular flap was prepared over the auricle by making a skin incision according to Ohmori's method. Then a rhomboid flap with a side length of about 8 to 10 mm that sets the lower portion as a pedicle in the anterior region was prepared to supplement the contracted portion of the helix. The cartilage deformity was corrected by the banner flap or the radiating cartilage incisions with cartilage graft or high density polyethylene graft. RESULTS: We have treated 16 patients with severe cryptotia using this method and have obtained good aesthetic results. All cases showed widened scaphoid fossa and smooth triangular fossa of antihelix. There were no major postoperative complications, such as necrosis or infection of the flaps. CONCLUSION: Correction of cryptotia using the triangular V-Y advancement flap and rhomboid flap is useful a method for certain conditions, when a severe contraction of the helix is present.

Otoplasty with High Density Polyethylene Implant (MEDPOR(R))

PURPOSE: The key points of treatment of cryptotia are the elevation of invaginated ear helix and the correction of deformed cartilage. Prevention of stabilized cartilage contouring from returning to the previous state is also important. The authors carried otoplasty by modified Onizuka's method or Ohmori's method that conchal cartilage graft or high density polyethylene implant(MEDPOR(R)) graft served as fixation after spreading posterior aspect of adhered antihelix and a splint for prevention of recurrence of cartilage deformities. The aim of this study is to reveal the availability of the high density polyethylene implant(MEDPOR(R)) graft for the correction of cryptotia. METHODS: We have repaired 17 cryptotic deformities using cartilage graft from cavum of concha(12 cases) or high density polyethylene implant(5 cases) for correction of deformed cartilage. We investigate the operative time, complications, and satisfaction of postoperative ear shape on both autogenous cartilage graft group and high density polyethylene implant graft group. RESULTS: There was 1 case of reinvagination on autogenous cartilage graft group. Implant exposure was occurred on high density polyethylene implant graft group, as 1 case. These were statistically no differences between autogenous cartilage graft group and high density polyethylene implant graft group to the satisfaction of ear shape. CONCLUSION: High density polyethylene implant (MEDPOR(R)) present an alternative to autogenous material as they allow of fibrovascular ingrowth, leading to stability of the implant and decreased infection rates. The correction of deformed cartilage by using the high density polyethylene implant(MEDPOR(R)) is a good option for the treatment of cryptotia.

A Case Report of Correction of Bilateral Cryptotia Using Modified Ohmori's Method / 대한이비인후과학회지

Cryptotia is a congenital anomaly of the auricle that the upper pole of the auricular cartilage is buried beneath the skin of the scalp and auriculocephalic sulcus is obliterated. In addition, there is often a deformity of the antihelix, especially its superior crus. The principle of the surgery is to deepen the auriculocephalic sulcus, to correct deformed cartilage and to correct the malposition. For the correction of the bilateral cryptotia, we have applied the modified Ohmori's method and have obtained good result without complication. We report this case with a review of related literature.

Correction of Cryptotia Using Combined Method of Fukuda and Onizuka

Cryptotia is a relatively common congenital anomaly in orientals. It is charaterized by obliteration of auriculocephalic sulcus and buried ear cartilage of upper pole beneath the scalp skin. In addition, there is often a posterior displacement of the superior crus of antihelix. The goals of surgical correction are the coverage of skin deficit, deepening of the auriculocephalic sulcus and the correction of deformed cartilage. Some authors stressed a tendency for the superior portion of the auricle to spring back to the original portion after surgery. We have devised a surgical method to prevent recurrence of the cartilagenous deformity using combined method of Fukuda and Onizuka. From March in 2001 to Jan, 2004, We have repaired 6 cryptotic deformities in 5 patients including one bilateral cryptotia. Between them We used combined method of Fukuda and Onizuka in 4 severely deformed cryptotic superior ear cartilage correction with satisfactory results. Single Fukuda's method was used in 2 mildly deformed cryptotias. The combined method composed of Z-plasty incision for skin releasing, and incision along the crus and then flattened the crus by mattress suture, multiple incisions in the back of the superior crus and then grafting the piece of conchal cartilage producing a splinting to hold the crus out in a smooth, curved configuration for the correction of the superior portion of the deformed ear. The results were remarkable improvement of profile in severely deformed cryptotia. And so this combined method is useful method for the correction of severely deformed cartilage in cryptotia.

Surgical Correction of Cryptotia using Hirose's Rotation Flap

Cryptotia is rare in Caucasians but more common in Orientals, particularly in Japanese people, where incidence has been reported as 1:400. The features of cryptotia are the invagination of the upper part of the auricle under the temporal skin and the deformation of the auricular cartilage itself. The principles of the surgical correction are the coverage of skin deficit and the correction of deformed cartilage if needed. For the correction of cryptotia, several methods have been tried. But, inadequate amounts of local tissue often result in undercorrection of the cephalo-auricular sulcus, with a tendency to recurrence of the buried ear. Incision scars, hair line distortion, poor color match of graft and multi-staged operation of tissue expansion are noted as the their shortcomings. Therefore, We have performed Hirose's rotation flap method in 15 cases of the 12 patients that available skin in the inferior part of the cephalo-auricular sulcus is transferred to the upper part where skin is deficient, and satisfactory results were achieved. This method has many advantages that the design is simple and the procedure easy, the required depth of the cephalo-auricular sulcus is achieved, the correction of the cartilage deformity can be carried out with unrestricted access, the hairline is not disturbed by the operation, the scar behind the auricle is not visible, and there is no need for additional skin grafting.

Correction of Cryptotia Using Lotus Flower Shaped V-Y Advancement Flap and Auriculocephalic Sulcus Percutaneous Cinch Sutures

In cryptotia the upper part of the auricle is buried beneath the temporal scalp, so the upper auriculocephalic sulcus is absent and auricular cartilage deformity is accompanied. The goals of surgical correction of cryptotia are to release the upper ear from temporal scalp to restore auriculocephalic sulcus, and to correct the cartilage deformity. Authors have experienced 23 auricles in 14 patients with cryptotia to correct cryptotia using lotus flower shaped V-Y advancement flap for the upper auricular skin deficiency and scoring for cartilage deformity. Lotus flower shaped flap is designed above superior pole of auricle. Designed flap has wider lower third than conventional V-Y flap. After complete exposure of upper auricular cartilage, cartilage deformity is corrected by scorings on lateral surface of the scapha and medial surface of the superior crus of antihelix. For construction of auriculocephalic sulcus, the flap is advanced inferiorly about 1 cm and 3 stab incisions on the flap are made at the expected auriculocephalic sulcus. The cinch suture is done between dermal layer of the stab incisions and auriculocephalic sulcus cartilage with 4-0 Prolene . Packing gauze is tied at corrected scapha for contour maintenance. A satisfactory contour of scapha and antihelical crus and deep auriculocephalic sulcus were maintained postoperatively. However, hypertrophic scar formation was found due to tension. Our method is similar to Ono's method in triangular flap shape. But the lotus flower shaped flap has wider lower 1/3 than Ono's triangular flap and provides sufficient skin for formation of auriculocephalic sulcus without additional rhomboid flap elevation in front of the ear.

A Case Report of Correction of Cryptotia / 대한이비인후과학회지

Cryptotia is a congenital auricular anomaly found more commonly in orientals than whites. It is characterizaed by the invagination of the upper part of the auricle under the temporal skin and deformity of the auricular cartilage. Surgeries to correct cryptotia principally involves addition of skin to the deficient retroauricular sulcus and cartilage plasty. We have developed a surgical method using modified retroauricular flap and have obtained good result without complication. We hereby report a surgical case with discussion and review of literatures.