Auricular repositioning otoplasty

The purpose of this paper is to introduce a new, safe and logical extension of the older concepts of otoplasty. The main principle involved here is complete undermining of all of the auricular cartilage above the isthmus cartilaginis auris by severing the three ligaments and the three muscles that connect the ear to the head. The entire auricular cartilage can then be repositioned at a normal angle in relation to the side of the head more readily than with previously used techniques. The external auditory meatus is easily enlarged if necessary. The sutures connecting the eminence of the scapha to the soft tissues of the mastoid posterior to the external auditory canal produce an antihelix whose contour is softer, wider and has more flowing curves. The wide area of excess skin removed provides a large area for cicatricial adhesions from the ear to the skull; additionally, in difficult cases this technique may be readily modified by any of the older established methods of otoplasty.