The punch and graft technique: a novel method of surgical treatment for chondrodermatitis nodularis helicis.
BACKGROUND
Chondrodermatitis nodularis helicis (CDNH) is a painful inflammatory condition affecting the helix of the ear. Several surgical treatments are described in the literature, with different cure rates and cosmetic outcomes.


OBJECTIVE
To determine the cure rate of a novel method of surgical treatment, the 'punch and graft' technique, for CDNH and to compare this with reported techniques.


METHODS
Twenty-three lesions in 22 patients over a period of 7 years and 4 months were treated with the punch and graft technique, which is described.


RESULTS
A cure rate of 83% was obtained. The patients were followed up for a period of 1-86 months and cosmetic results were good.


CONCLUSIONS
The punch and graft technique is a novel method for surgical treatment of CDNH, with results comparable with those of existing methods.
Department of Dermatology, Sunderland Royal Hospital, Sunderland, U.K. neilrajan@hotmail.com
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Rajan
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Langtry
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002357:Cartilage Diseases / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D054644:Ear Auricle / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D004427:Ear Diseases / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D004954:Esthetics; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods; D016038:Skin Transplantation / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome