title: Reconstruction of Moderately Constricted Ears by Combining V-Y Advancement of Helical Root, Conchal Cartilage Graft, and Mastoid Hitch.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Despite the multitude of corrective procedures described in the literature, adequate surgical correction of the congenital constricted ear remains a challenge. The maintenance of the shape and size of the reconstructed upper neohelix poses a particular problem.
  
  
  METHODS
  In the present study, a total of 12 cases of reconstruction were undertaken. All of them were moderate (type IIA Tanzer classification) deformities. A combined procedure was adopted using a V-Y advancement of the helical root, cartilage scoring, and cartilage grafting from the contralateral concha to reconstruct the upper helix. A mastoid hitch was used as an adjunct to these procedures to maintain helical elevation and prevent recurrence. Mean follow-up period was 6 months.
  
  
  RESULTS
  RESULTS were excellent (n = 7), good (n = 4), and fair (n = 1). Paired t test showed a significant increase in the height of the constricted ear postoperatively (P < .001) and a nonsignificant difference between the height of the constricted and contralateral ears postoperatively (P > .05). Apart from dislodgment of the mastoid hitch suture in 1 patient, no complications were recorded.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This combined technique is useful in correcting moderately constricted ear deformities.
authors.affiliation: Plastic Surgery Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.
authors.forename: Ahmed
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Elshahat
authors.affiliation: Plastic Surgery Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.
authors.forename: Riham
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Lashin
keywords: cartilage grafts; congenital constricted ears; cup ear; lop ear; mastoid hitch