A New Method of Correcting Cryptotia by Changing Mechanical Fulcrum After Constricted Cartilage Overturned.

[BACKGROUND] Many techniques have been introduced to correct cryptotia. The previous methods are releasing the constricted cartilage and changing the mechanical fulcrum partly to the right position. However, some patients are still not satisfied with the treatment results, due to cryptotia recurrence and insufficient superior 1/3 width. This study aimed to develop a new method for completely changing the mechanical direction of constricted cartilage for correcting cryptotia.

[METHODS] From 2007 to 2020, twenty-four cryptotia patients were treated. During surgical reconstruction, the retroauricular skin flap was elevated, the posterior aspect of the upper auricular cartilage was completely exposed, and the abnormal insertion of the auricular intrinsic muscles detached. The sharply curved antihelical cartilage was cut and overturned, and the scalp skin flap was undermined and advanced toward the postauricular sulcus. The edge of the retroauricular scalp flap is fixed on the mastoid periosteum. The incision was closed.

[RESULTS] Eighteen patients had unilateral cryptotia, and six had bilateral cryptotia. Relatively favorable results were obtained in the follow-up period (range, 6-48 months). There were no cases of skin necrosis, complications, or revision surgery.

[CONCLUSIONS] The main advantages of this technique are the surgically reproducible results, and that it can be applied to most cases. The method described in this paper could potentially increase the width of the upper third of the auricle and reduce recurrence rate, while also leaving an inconspicuous scar and a satisfactory auricular contour. It is suggested that this technique could be an alternative method of cryptotia correction.

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