Correction of Constricted Ear using the Reversed Banner Flap

ABSTRACT

There exist many methods reconstructing a constricted ear. But those methods are usually lack of considerations about various components shape of ear, height, width and circumference. Therefore we contrived a new method which we called 'a reversed banner' flap, modifying the banner flap by Tanzer. The banner flap considers only the increase of height. Moreover the transition of the flap is unnatural because of the base of the flap located medially. A total of 7 earswere reconstructed. Four patients were group I, and three patients were group II(by Tanzer's classification). To increase width and circumference as well as height, our method consists of steps as follows (1) V-Y advancement skin flap on the root of helix. (2) Laterally based banner flap on the deformed helix, preserving the superior crus of antihelix. (3) Pooling out designed flap from root of helix and fixation to the inferior crus of antihelix. (4) Expansion of hooded helix lateral to superior crus. (5) Conchal cartilage grafts to the newly formed cartilage gaps. (6) Reinforcement of superior crus with a mattress suture. With this method we could make a more natural shape of ear and maintain the form of reconstructed ear.