A new technique for correcting cryptotia: bolster external fixation method.

INTRODUCTION

Cryptotia is a congenital auricular deformity in which the upper third of the auricle is buried under the temporal skin. There is no standard surgical method to correct cryptotia.

OBJECTIVES

This study is aimed at devising a new surgical method to correct cryptotia with good auricular contour and inconspicuous scar.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 8 patients diagnosed with cryptotia in West China Hospital between 2006 and 2009. All of them received this new surgical method to correct cryptotia. The follow-up period ranged from 6 months to 1 year.

RESULTS

All patients possessed good auricular contour and sufficient skin for release of the upper part of the auricle without the need for a skin graft or local skin flap transferred. All patients possessed deep auriculotemporal sulci and inconspicuous scars. There were no complications, and cryptotia did not recur in any patient.