Our surgical approach and results for protruding ear deformity

Objectives:To evaluate the performed surgical technique for protruding ear deformity from the point of complications and aesthetic results.Methods:Seven patients who were operated with protruding ear deformity diagnosis between September 2006–September 2007 were included in this study. In all cases for anti-helix formation horizontal mattress sutures with Mustardé technique were used and reformation of the cartilage was maintained. Besides to prevent the protrusion effect of the conchal bowl, concha mastoid sutures were used. If it was required, in order to maintain a better aesthetic angle in the superior pole, additional fixation suture was inserted to the helix. Mastoid bandage was applied to patients in the first week and a sports headband was recommended in the second week. Cases were evaluated from the point of early / late complications and aesthetic results.Results:Surgery was applied to 13 ears of 7 patients. 3 of the patients were female and 4 were male. The average age was 18.1. Deformations in 6 cases were bilateral and unilateral in one. Surgery was performed under local anesthesia except for 2 patients. Horizontal mattress and concha mastoid sutures were used in all ears. Additional fixation suture was required between the helix and temporal bone periosteum in three ears. Average follow up period was 11.8 months. No complications were encountered in the early postoperative period. In one ear, due to suture failure in late period, partial asymmetry occurred. The problem was solved with limited revision surgery.Conclusion:We observed that in the cases with protruding ear deformity who operated with Mustarde technique, it was possible to obtain satisfactory results by performing only suture techniques without additional work on the cartilage, if careful preoperative evaluation was carried out.