External ear reconstruction

Plastic reconstruction of the external ear designed to achieve a near-natural shape is now a practical proposition even though only few clinical centres can afford to perform it. The present communication is based on experience in the practical application of this new otoplastic technique in 28 patients aged 7 to 25 years. The method involves the making of an auricular structure on a flat cartilaginous groundwork on which to form the helix, anthelix as well as the concha situated in the horizontal, vertical and saggital planes in the shape of two successive steps similarly as in the cartilage of a normal external ear. The proposed technique eliminates the need to excise the block of cartilage from two ribs, and for that reason is less traumatizing and better suited for going ahead with the otoplasty in children of younger age (7-8 years). Given the present rate of incidence of auricular deformity and incomplete development of facial bones and jaws, osteoplasty precedes otoplasty.