Author(s)
Ameer Ghodke, MD
Meredith Meyer, BS
Mark M. Mims, MD
J. Madison Clark, MD
William W. Shockley, MD
Affiliation(s)
University of North Carolina;
Abstract:
Educational Objective: At the conclusion of this presentation, the participants should be able to understand how a novel technique using the postauricular flap can be used to repair helical defects.
Objectives: This study aims to describe a novel technique using a postauricular flap to repair moderate to large helical and antihelical defects.
Study Design: Case report.
Methods: A case report is provided to illustrate the surgical technique used.
Results: A postauricular flap is designed leaving a small bridge of native skin posterior to the defect edge. The flap is elevated and advanced over the defect in interpolated fashion. The secondary defect is then immediately skin grafted. The flap is then divided three weeks later. The remaining portion of the flap is sutured down to the postauricular sulcus. Postoperative followup shows excellent contour, color, and thickness match to the surrounding ear.
Conclusions: The postauricular flap described here is an excellent choice for medium to large defects involving the helix and antihelix of the ear.