Objective Auricular Measurements and Patient Satisfaction Following Cartilage-Cutting Otoplasty Using...

Background/Objectives: Prominent ears, affecting approximately 5% of the population, can cause significant psychosocial distress without functional impairment. Methods: This retrospective single-center study evaluated a cartilage-cutting otoplasty technique augmented by three triangular fascioperichondrial flaps in 40 patients (80 ears), aged 6-37 years (mean age: 13 years), treated between 2022 and 2024 at Târgu Mureș County Emergency Hospital. Results: Preoperative helical-mastoid distances (HMD) were elevated, superior: 21 mm, middle: 22 mm, inferior: 21 mm; concho-mastoid angle (CMA) averaged ~50°. Surgery involved postauricular skin excision, selective conchal cartilage resection, and flap fixation to the mastoid periosteum for stabilization. Measurements at immediate postoperative and 6-week follow-up showed significant reductions: superior HMD by 10 mm (immediate) and 9 mm (6 weeks), middle by 9 mm and 8 mm, inferior by 4 mm and 4 mm, CMA by 27° and 26° (all p < 0.001). Stability between postoperative and 6-week intervals was confirmed by ANOVA (no significant differences). Patient satisfaction was excellent: 75% very satisfied and 22% satisfied (97% overall positive), with no correlation with age or sex. Conclusions: This hybrid approach offers reliable correction, natural contours, and low postoperative complications, representing a feasible option in otoplasty. Longer-term prospective trials are recommended.