The tumbling concha-cartilage flap for correction of mild constricted ear

Abstract

Objective To explore the effect of the tumbling concha-cartilage flap for correction of mild constricted ear. Methods From January 2015 to January 2017, 6 constricted ears of 6 cases were corrected using this procedure. All patients were from Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science. They were four male and two female patients, age from 3 to 28 years old, with average age of 14 years. Through anterior and posterior skin incisions, a rectangular or T-shaped cartilage flap was elevated from the concha and tumbled backward. After passing through the postauricular skin, the flap′s tip was fixed to the lidded helix or scapha. The recoiling force of the flap′s conchal side enabled the lidded portion to be in a normal, erect, anatomic position. This method also increased the vertical height of the ear and created a normally shaped scapha. Results The follow-up time was 6-12 months. Six constricted ears were corrected using this procedure, and maintained natural auricular features. Conclusions The tumbling concha-cartilage flap is a reliable and effective method for the correction of constricted ear. Key words: Constricted ear; Concha-cartilage flap; Auricle