Fronding of the caudal helical cartilage in anterior scoring for otoplasty.

摘要

To the Editor:Continuing refinements in surgical technique for correction of prominent ears offer today's surgeons an unparalleled choice of methods for treating this common condition. Techniques used to recreate the antihelical fold can broadly be subdivided into those based on suture fixation and those relying on cartilage scoring,1 as well as a combination of these. In our center, we have been using a cartilage scoring technique based on that first described by Chongchet.2 Briefly, following tattooing of the intended fold of the antihelix, the auricular cartilage is exposed through a posterior slipper-shaped skin incision. An incision is then made through the full thickness of cartilage approximately 3-4 mm lateral to the (lateral roll of) markings, allowing access to the anterior surface of the cartilage. The incision is extended in a conchal direction at the superior and inferior borders of the future antihelix to create a cartilage flap. This allows better folding and convexity of the intended antihelix. Sharp scoring of the anterior surface of the cartilage flap with a scalpel under direct vision is subsequently used to recreate the antihelical fold.