OUR EXPERIENCE WITH THE CORRECTION OF PROTRUDING EARS: CLINICAL CASE SERIES

Abstract

Many methods have been developed to correct protruding ears, but the best one should be simple, reliable, and reproducible. Obectives: The purpose of our study is to evaluate the effectiveness of protruding ear correction. Materials and Method: This is a 5-year retrospective study (2018–2023) of 103 patients with protruding ears. Patients were followed up for at least a year after surgery. A modified Mustarde technique procedure was applied. Incision made high at the level of the retroauricular projection of the retroauricular fossa to make it more difficult to see. After that, the skin is carefully separates from the cartilage. The cartilage is trimmed followed by the formation and modeling of the cartilage configuratio so that the auricle acquires a normal and natural shape. We stabilize the newly reconstructed antihelix using two to three stitches of Vycryl 4/0. Elastic bandage is worn for seventh day. The sutures were removed at the consultation on the 7–10 postoperative day. Patients were followed up at 3, 6, and 12 months followed by yearly intervals for 3-5 years. Data on functional and aesthetic outcomes were documented. Preoperative and postoperative photographs were also taken of all patients. The result was assessed on a visual analogue scale by the patient. Patient satisfaction was assessed in accordance with the indicators of the questionnaire, in which their degree of satisfaction was assessed on a 4-point scale: 1 (poor), 2 (satisfactory), 3 (good) and 4 (Great). Parameters included: improvement in the natural contour of the ears, improvement in frontal vision, improvement in the asymmetry of the concho-mastoid angle. Results: In study, hemorrhages, hematomas, keloid formations, suture extrusion, skin and cartilage infections, skin necrosis and recurrences were not observed in any patient. The average score of the the patient's is 8.4. The average concho-mastoid distance before the operation is 2.2 cm, after the operation it decreases to 1.4 cm. Clinical evaluation showed excellent results (58.7%), good results (28.6%), satisfactory results (12.7%) and without poor results. Conclusion: Correction of protruding ears using this technique is safe and simple. Serious complications were not observed, good aesthetic results were obtained. The applied technique is universal, gives good results and has a low level of complications.