Results of otoplasty by scoring anterior surface of auricular cartilage

A prominent ear, so called a protruding or 'lop' ear, is the most common congenital deformity of the external ear. This deformity persists when the mastoid-helix angle (MHA) is higher than 30 degrees. It is relatively common among the population with the incidence of about 5%. The aim of this study is to present surgical procedure and our results using otoplasty with scoring anterior surface of the auricular cartilage. To analyze objective and subjective surgical procedure effects. Between 2011 and 2014 we treated 28 patients. We found statistically high significance p<0.01 in value mastoid-helix angle (MHA) preoperative and postoperative. In patients with bilateral otoplasty the difference between left and right MHAs after surgical procedure is less than 4 degrees. The difference of head-helix distance (HHD) preoperative and postoperative is statistically important with high significance p<0.05. Preoperative satisfaction by personal appearance was better after surgical procedure p<0.05. Complications occurred in 9 cases (32.4%). Otoplasty by scoring anterior surface of auricular cartilage is safe procedure for correction of prominent ear with excellent results on patient satisfaction by personal appearance. Effect of reducing the MHA and HHD is long lasting.