New Method Using Local Affected Cartilage and Flap for the Cleft in Question Mark Ear

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Otolaryngology
• Congenital Deformities

Background:

• Question mark ear is a rare auricular deformity requiring surgical correction.
• Existing surgical methods for moderate-to-severe cases present challenges in cost-effectiveness and tissue utilization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and evaluate a new, cost-effective surgical approach for correcting moderate-to-severe question mark ears.
• To assess the efficacy of utilizing local cartilage and surrounding skin for auricular reconstruction.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of twenty-four patients with unilateral question mark ear (seven severe, seventeen moderate) were treated between 2018 and 2023.
• A novel technique employed local cartilage and flap reconstruction, preserving unaffected areas.
• The study involved surgical correction and follow-up assessment of outcomes.

Main Results:

• All patients reported high satisfaction with significant improvements in ear symmetry and appearance.
• The surgical scars were minimally visible, and no complications were reported.
• Long-term follow-up confirmed sustained symmetrical and cosmetic results.

Conclusions:

• The new surgical method effectively utilizes deformed tissue and surrounding skin for auricular reconstruction.
• This approach is a reliable and cost-effective option for correcting moderate-to-severe question mark ear deformities.
• The technique achieves excellent aesthetic outcomes and patient satisfaction.