Correction of Cryptotia Using a Repositioned Inverted Free Cartilage Graft Technique

To evaluate the surgical efficacy and patient satisfaction of the repositioned inverted free cartilage graft technique for correcting cryptotia.

The retrospective analysis was conducted on 12 pediatric patients treated with this technique from September 2022 to September 2024. The key surgical step involved complete transection of the overfolded auricular cartilage to form a free cartilage graft, which was then horizontally rotated 180° and vertically rotated approximately 120° and was reattached to the auricular cartilage stump. Postoperative complications were recorded, and both plastic surgeon and guardians assessed ear morphology using Likert scale. Patient satisfaction was evaluated via the Visual Analog Scale (VAS).

A total of 12 patients with cryptotia were included (9 males and 3 females, aged 2-12 years), with a follow-up period ranging from 6 to 15 months. No significant complications or recurrence of deformity occurred. The upper auriculocephalic sulcus was significantly deepened, enabling the patients to wear masks and glasses. Postoperative Likert scores improved to 4.25 ± 0.19 (plastic surgeon) and 4.06 ± 0.21 (guardians), while the VAS score reached 8.15 ± 0.45.

The repositioned inverted free cartilage graft technique achieved satisfactory outcomes with minimal complications and high patient satisfaction, demonstrating its clinical value for cryptotia correction.

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