Summary
Prominent ears are the most common deformity of the external ear in children. Since
1881 various treatments have been described but the choice of procedure still remains
at the surgeon's preference. A posterior auricular muscle malposition is frequently
present in prominent ear deformity even though this muscle shows only a rudimentary
function in man.
This article presents a technique to reposition the posterior auricular muscle as
an adjunct to conventional otoplasty. A quadrangular cartilage paddle, where the muscle
inserts, is raised with the muscle as a chondro-muscular flap that can be advanced
and reset more peripherally. Eighty consecutive patients, followed up for at least
12 months, have been reviewed. The posterior auricular muscle repositioning combined
with a lozenge shaped conchectomy has been successfully performed in 103 ears. The
cartilage paddle proved to be a strong support which facilitates the re-insertion
of the muscle. Repositioning of posterior auricular muscle allows a more anatomical
correction of both ear's projection and slope improving symmetry with the contralateral
side.
Keywords
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References
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: May 26, 2006
Accepted:
January 24,
2006
Received:
October 18,
2004
Identification
Copyright
© 2006 The British Association of Plastic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
