• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제50권4호
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• pp.393-397
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• 2023

Constricted ear has a prevalence of 5.2 to 10% among ear abnormalities, and various surgical methods are suggested for treatment. We introduce a case of a constricted ear treated with a simple method using a novel concept cartilage graft and transposition flap, along with the well-known Mustardé suture, which is used for pediatric patients with mild to moderate constricted ears of Tanzer classification type IIA. A 10-year-old female patient visited the hospital complaining of an abnormality in the congenital right ear. Surgical approach was planned under the diagnosis of Tanzer classification type IIA constricted right ear. Posterior helix onlay graft and perichondrocutaneous transposition flap using excessive helical cartilage were performed along with the Mustardé suture. In the immediate postoperative period, ear contour was improved, and it was well-maintained without recurrence until 6 months' follow-up. In conclusion, the combination of Mustardé suture, and cartilage onlay graft and perichondrocutaneous transposition flap in the mild to moderate constricted ear would be a useful surgical option, producing aesthetically good results in a simple and effective method.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제36권1호
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• pp.118-121
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• 2009

Purpose: Constricted ear, which is named by Tanzer includes lop ear, cup ear, and sort of prominent ear. It has classified three groups by Tanzer, especially grou I and IIA have been corrected by banner flap, Musgrave's technique, tumbling concha - cartilage flap, reversed banner flap and others. However, these techniques were too invasive for correcting mild degree of deformity. Therefore, we corrected the ear with mattress suture which is simple and less invasive. Method: The operations were done against 5 patients from 2005 March to 2008 April. All the cases were unilateral ears with constriction included helix and scaphoid fossa without difference in length between both ears. Though a posterior auricular skin incision, the folded cartilage is exposed and two parallel incisions on superior crus were made. After mattress suturing in cartilage, the superior crus of antihelix was formed and its force enables the folded portion to be in a normal anatomic position. Result: All of 5 patients got satisfactory results. There were no complications like hematoma or skin necrosis, and no recurrence during follow - up period(the average period was 9 months). And we couldn't recognize the difference between height of both auricles. Conclusion: Mattress suture is simple, less invasive, and suitable on correcting mild deformity of constricted ear with better result, so here we suggest the method.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제47권4호
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• pp.317-323
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• 2020

Background Microtia with constricted features is characterized by a short helical length of variable severity, upper antihelical or scaphal deficiency, and a downfolded upper ear. No consensus has been reached regarding the most appropriate surgical method for this condition. In this study, we aimed to introduce a simple and safe surgical method for the correction or reconstruction of upper helix ear deformities. Methods Between February 2011 and June 2014, eight patients with microtia with constricted upper helix ear deformity underwent reconstruction of the ear deformity. The upper ear helical framework was constructed by carving and curving the eighth rib cartilage harvested from the ipsilateral chest wall, covering this cartilage with a superficial temporal fascial flap, and adjusting the skin graft to align with the ear contour. To evaluate their satisfaction, patients were asked to complete a questionnaire regarding ear shape, symmetry, position, color, and overall outcome scored on a 5-point scale at 12 months postoperatively. Results None of the patients experienced severe complications in the reconstructed ear. The preoperative and postoperative vertical ear length ratios were 0.88 and 1.02, respectively. And the mean patient satisfaction scores for shape, symmetry, position, color, and overall outcome were 4.2, 4.5, 4.7, 4.4, and 4.6 out of 5 points, respectively. All patients expressed a high level of satisfaction at 12 months postoperatively. Conclusions Our technique provides a good alternative method for the reconstruction of moderate constricted upper helix ear deformities in patients who meet the surgical indications with satisfactory outcomes and few complications.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제43권6호
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• pp.512-517
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• 2016

Background Studies of the ear-molding technique have emphasized the importance of initiating molding early to achieve the best results. In the present study, we describe the immediate effects and long-term outcomes of this technique, focusing on children who were older than the ideal age of treatment initiation. Methods Patients who visited our institution from July 2014 to November 2015 were included. Medical charts were reviewed to collect data on demographics, the duration of treatment, the types of deformities, and the manner of recognition of the deformity and referral to our institution. Parents were surveyed to assess the degree of improvement, the level of procedural discomfort at the end of treatment, any changes in the shape of the molded auricle, and overall satisfaction 12 months after their last follow-up visits. Results A review of 28 ears in 18 patients was conducted, including the following types of deformities: constricted ear (64.2%), Stahl ear (21.4%), prominent ear (7.1%), and cryptotia (7.1%). The average score for the degree of improvement, rated on a 5-point scale (1, very poor; 5, excellent), was 3.5 at the end of treatment, with a score of 2.6 for procedural discomfort (1, very mild; 5, very severe). After 12 months, the shapes of all ears were well maintained. The average overall satisfaction score was 3.6 (1, very dissatisfied; 5, very satisfied). Conclusions We had reasonable outcomes in older patients. After 1 year of follow-up, these outcomes were well maintained. Patients past the ideal age at presentation can still be candidates for the molding technique.