Abstract
The ear has a unique architecture of cartilage and skin. The incidence of the prominent ear is about 5%. Surgical correction of the prominent or protruding ear can be carried out either by anterior or posterior approach. We created antihelical fold of cartilage by utilizing a posterior incision to score the anterior cartilage of the lateral scapha with a knife. Sutures were often used to uphold the produced fold. The additional procedure of conchal reduction and concho-mastoid suture was done when required. The objective of our research is to evaluate the patient’s and surgeon’s satisfaction with our technique of prominent ear correction and identify any complication if it occurs post-operatively.This is a retrospective study over a period of eight years (2011-2018) which includes all patients presented to Liaquat National Hospital with prominent ear. A total of 47 patients were included. Patients with a previous history of otoplasty were excluded. Patients were followed up for at least six months postoperatively. The outcome was assessed via Visual Analogue Score by a patient, surgeon, and a third observer (assessor). The average score by the surgeon was 7.9, by the patient it was 8.4 and by the assessor it was 8.1. The average pre-operative concho-mastoid distance was 2.2 cm which decreases to 1.4 cm post-operatively. Correction of the prominent ear by this technique is safe and easy. We did not experience any major complication, giving reproducible and good aesthetic results.
Highlights
The anatomy of the external ear is very complex
All the patients presented in the outpatient department of Liaquat National Hospital and Medical College from January 2011 to December 2018 with prominent ears, aspiring for aesthetic improvement due to emotional and social setback among peers were included in the study
The prominent ear is characterized by increased concho-mastoid angle, deep conchal cartilage, unfolded antihelical fold, or a combination of these
Summary
The anatomy of the external ear is very complex. It differs from person to person and between two sides of the same individual. In the Caucasian population, the incidence of the prominent ear is about 5% and it accounts for the most prevalent congenital head and neck deformity [1] It is usually isolated without other anomalies or syndromic association, but it may be considered as an aesthetic handicap [2]. The anatomical features of the prominent ear are described as: (1) Lack of sufficient anti-helical fold; (2) Outsized deep conchal bowl; (3) Abnormalities of lobules; (4) Inadequate definition of helical rim. All these features are usually present in combination in these patients [4,5]
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