title: A simplified method for correcting Tanzer's group II constricted ears: Construction of the superior crus as a strut with cartilage expansion grafting.
abstract: A constricted ear, also known as a cup ear or lop ear, is a deformity characterized by curling of the upper portion of the ear, including the helix, scapha, and antihelix. In Tanzer's classification, group II constricted ears have deformities involving the helix and the scapha. Although partial or total absence of the superior crus of the antihelix has been noted in group II constricted ears, most plastic surgeons have corrected group II constricted ears using the expansion technique and skin flaps, without formation of the superior crus. However, the expansion technique does not always yield satisfactory results in group II constricted ears. Between May 2011 and April 2014, the authors operated on 21 patients with group II constricted ears using the technique described in this study. The follow-up period ranged from 2 months to 2 years. In our procedure for correcting group II constricted ears, we focused on restoring the superior crus of the antihelix. As a strong superior crus acts as a strut in the upper third of the ear, it supports the helical rim and creates the scapha. Eventually, the newly formed superior crus enables the helical rim to expand in the upper third of the constricted ear. In this article, we present our method of correcting group II constricted ears, in which the superior crus is constructed as a strut and cartilage expansion grafts are used.
authors.affiliation: Bona Microtia and Aesthetic Ear Surgery Clinic, Seoul, South Korea. Electronic address: isaacyskim1126@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Young Soo
authors.initials: YS
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, National Health Insurance Service Ilsan Hospital, Ilsan, South Korea.
authors.forename: Seum
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Chung
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D004425:Ear Cartilage / Q000601:surgery*; D004431:Ear, External / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
keywords: Ears prominent and constricted; Poorly developed antihelix; Tissue grafts