Cartilage-Sparing Otoplasty: The Effects of Adipo-Perichondrial Flap-Assisted Posterior Auricular Muscle Complex Flap Technique on the Repair of Prominent Ear Deformities.

[BACKGROUND] In the repair of prominent ear deformities, the main objectives are to recreate the antihelical fold, reduce projection in patients with a large concha, and normalize the distance between the ear and the cranium. This study evaluated the efficacy of the adipo-perichondrial flap-assisted posterior auricular muscle complex (PAMC) flap technique, which involves a new approach to the repair of prominent ear deformities.

[MATERIALS AND METHODS] A medially based PAMC flap and a laterally based adipo-perichondrial flap were elevated in 22 patients with prominent ear deformities. In order to shape the ear, the PAMC flap was sutured to the transition zone between the helix and antihelix, and the adipo-perichondrial flap to the periosteum of the mastoid bone. The ear-cranium distances were measured preoperatively and at postoperative first and sixth months.

[RESULTS] Thirteen patients were female and 9 were male. The mean age of the patients was 19.4 years, and the mean follow-up period was 10.6 months. The ear-cranium distance significantly decreased in the postoperative first-month and sixth-month evaluations compared to the preoperative values (P < .05). No relapse, suture exposition, hematoma, keloid scar, or infection was observed.

[CONCLUSION] Posterior auricular muscle complex is a strong anatomical structure that includes the trapezius muscle, occipital muscle, extrinsic ear muscles, temporal fascia, and sternocleidomastoid fascia. By elevating this structure as a flap and combining it with an adipo-perichondrial flap, successful results can be achieved in the repair of prominent ear deformities, which prevents relapses and maintains the shape of the ear in the long term.