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.

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.

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.

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 due to 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 ±â€¯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.

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 / Otoplasty in prominent ear

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.

Performance-optimized otoplasty.

OBJECTIVES: This study proposes a new surgical alternative for the most common deformity in the ears, the so-called "protruding/prominent ears", which is a condition that affects 5% of the Caucasian population (Goulart et al. in Rev Bras Cir Plast 26:602-607, 2011). This technique comes with the benefits of reduced surgical time, shallow learning curve, and a low revision rate. METHODS: We studied a total of 213 patients with an indication for otoplasty from January 2020 to January 2021. Women made up 65% of the study population, while men made up 35%, with an average age of 21 years, the youngest being 7 years of age. The technique presented here corrects all the deformities that cause protruding ears and can be performed together with other ear surgeries, such as surgical treatment of macrotia and lobuloplasty. All surgeries were performed in an outpatient setting under local anesthesia and sedation. RESULTS: All surgeries followed a performance-optimized protocol, with an average total surgical time of 45 min for a bilateral approach. Revision surgery was needed in 2% of cases, with the most frequent complaint being asymmetry in the upper third of the ears. The complication rate was approximately 7.5%, with 1 case of hematoma, 1 case of mild infection, 2 cases of altered ear sensitivity, 3 cases of keloid scar formation, 6 cases of asymmetry in the upper third of the ears, and 3 cases of irregularities or spikes in the antihelix cartilage. Patient satisfaction was measured using the McDowell/Wright Objectives and Outcome Index (McDowell in Plast Reconstr Surg 41:17-27). CONCLUSION: The proposed performance technique is a viable alternative to optimize the surgical time of otoplasty in an outpatient setting. This technique can be performed together with other corrective ear surgeries, has a shallow learning curve, and has a low revision rate. LEVEL IV: Evidence obtained from multiple time series with or without the intervention, such as case studies.

Otoplasty: Rasps or Puncture Needles? A Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Up to 25% of otoplasties can lead to complications, indicating the need for technical refinement. Stenström's anterior auricular cartilage scoring is used in combination with Mustardé's technique to treat the antihelix deformity in several series, with good results. Both can be performed with different instruments such as rasps or puncture needles. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to compare the use of puncture needles and rasps for anterior cartilage scoring in otoplasty. The association of Stenström and Mustardé were the basic technique. Anatomical and aesthetic endpoints were assessed. We also reviewed postoperative complications. METHODS: Forty-two patients with prominent ears and no previous surgery were randomly assigned needle or rasps technique. They were operated on by the first-year plastic surgery resident in the years of 2014 and 2019. The patients were followed up and reviewed at days 2 and 15, as well as 1, 3 and 6 months postoperatively. The endpoints were evaluated through pre- and postoperative photographs by four experienced plastic surgeons unaware of the techniques used in each case. Patient satisfaction was searched by a "yes" or "no" question. Surgical time and postoperative edema were evaluated in 20 patients (2014 group). RESULTS: There were no statistical differences between the groups in terms of overall results, symmetry, antihelix shape or cartilage fracture. Ninety-five percent of the patients were satisfied with the outcome. The needle technique resulted in less postoperative edema and shorter surgical time. CONCLUSION: Anterior cartilage scoring used in combination with posterior mattress sutures to treat poorly formed antihelical fold has good and similar results when performed with rasps or puncture needles, even in unexperienced hands. The needle has the advantage of leading to a comparable surgical time and less postoperative edema, while not requiring any special surgical instrument. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these evidence-based medicine ratings, please refer to the table of contents or the online instructions to authors www.springer.com/00266 .

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.

Pinna synthetic mold for otoplasty techniques application.

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.

The Existence of a Natural Plica at the Anatomical Base of the Antihelix and its Surgical Importance to Address Protruding Ears: An Anatomicosurgical Study.

BACKGROUND: Protruding ears represent the main abnormality of the external ear, which has required numerous anatomic and surgical studies. Most studies give attention to the absence of the antihelix as the anatomic defect responsible for the clinical deformity of the lateral aspect of the ear that leads to its anteversion. The reason for this study is the controversial origin of the fold of the antihelix within the auricle framework, a field of interest for aesthetic otoplasty. The current study examined the medial surface of the cartilaginous ear frame from cadaver specimens with right morphology to investigate the starting point of the fold of the antihelix. This allowed for verification of a natural plica at the anatomic base of this antihelical fold, which to date has not had its topography described morphologically. It is acknowledged that relevant literature makes no reference to this innominate natural plica at the origin of the antihelix, whose anatomic and surgical importance is related in this report. This study aimed to show that the existence of a natural plica at the base of the antihelix in ear framing represents a landmark between normal and protruding ear morphology. METHODS: For 8 years, 118 ears were carefully investigated within rigid ethical principles based on a thorough review of the pertinent literature. The study investigated 16 selected cadaver specimens and 102 protruding ears dissected by the senior author including 49 bilateral cases (26 males and 23 females) and 4 unilateral cases (2 males and 2 females). Bifacial anthropometric measurements by calipers were used for documentation. RESULTS: A natural plica at the base of the antihelix was found in all cadaver ears selected with right morphology, whereas it was totally absent in every surgically treated protruding ear irrespective of color, gender, age, or ethnic origin. Ambilateral measures of the antihelix eminence certify the study object in normal specimens as well as its lack in abnormal ones. CONCLUSION: Technical and topographic knowledge that a natural plica exists at the anatomic base of the antihelix is a valuable key point in recognizing the normal external ear. In addition, the making of a natural plica is the first and most effective factor in the reconstruction of the antihelical fold and its absolute absence results in the pathologic condition for protruding ears. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the A3 online Instructions to Authors. http://www.springer.com/00266 .

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.

Diagnosis and Prevalence of Prominent Lobules in Otoplasty: Analysis of 120 Patients with Prominent Ears.

BACKGROUND: The prominence of the ear lobule is considered an anomaly of secondary importance and receives correspondingly less attention in literature. We reviewed a case series of otoplasty patients and analyzed the prevalence of lobule prominence. METHODS: Records of otoplasties between 2007 and 2013 were reviewed. Inclusion criteria were: (1) primary otoplasties; (2) prominence of both ears; and (3) otoplasties conducted by the main author. Patients were divided into two groups: (1) A general group (GG) containing all the patients, and (2) a lobule correction group (LG)-a subgroup of GG containing only the patients who needed lobule correction. RESULTS: From a total of 291 patients, 120 patients were included in GG and 27 patients in LG. There was no statistical difference between groups GG and LG in terms of age and gender. Preoperative diagnosis of lobule prominence was correctly established in 14 patients; 13 patients were diagnosed during surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Lobule prominence should not be underestimated since its diagnosis may be missed in the preoperative period-nearly 50 % in our case. Also its prevalence (22.5 %) is not as infrequent as some may think. Knowledge of lobule correction techniques before surgery is important to avoid less than optimal results in otoplasty. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE V: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.

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.