The permanence of otoplasty in the rabbit ear: a comparison of techniques

Otoplasty should restructure the cartilage framework of the ear with permanent results. Major techniques include the placement of permanent sutures, with or without concomitant cartilage scoring, and cartilage abrasion alone. Our study evaluates the durability of the results of each method. Fifteen New Zealand white rabbits were divided into two groups. In 10 rabbits, the posterior surface of the right ear cartilage was abraded, and the ear was folded forward and secured with nylon stitches. A similar procedure was performed on the left ear, omitting the cartilage abrasion. In 4 rabbits, both ears were abraded transversely on the posterior cartilaginous surface and no sutures were placed. In 1 rabbit only the posterior skin was undermined on both ears. For one week dressings maintained a right-angle fold at the operative site. Rabbit ears reshaped with abrasion only failed to maintain the desired conformation. Ears with suture and abrasion did not maintain the full 90-degree angle created at surgery, although they did not fully straighten. Ears reshaped with suture alone maintained a folded angle close to the original right angle. Three months after operation the sutures within the cartilage were removed to approximate the clinical situation of late suture disruption from trauma to the operated ear and the shape was assessed.