Surgical outcome following primary closure of auricular lacerations.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the aesthetic outcomes of primary closure of auricle lacerations in the emergency department.

METHODS

In this prospective case study in our tertiary referral center we included all patients with an auricular laceration without complete avulsion. Wound treatment involved thorough cleaning and primary closure. Photos of the auricle were taken at various stages for evaluation. To evaluate the achieved results after 3 months, a success classification system with four classes was developed: (1) full success, no irregularities, (2) partial success, only minor irregularities, (3a) unsuccessful, major irregularities or (3b) unsuccessful, (partial) necrosis.

RESULTS

Most patients demonstrated successful outcomes (60.7% full success and 32.1% partial success), with helical involvement being associated with inferior results. The interobserver percent agreement of the classification system was 88%. The Fleiss' kappa coefficient was 0.570, p < 0.001.

CONCLUSION

Primary closure of ear lacerations results in a high success rate. We have introduced a revised classification system to qualify the success of treatment of the auricle laceration. Involvement of the helix is correlated with inferior surgical results three months after surgical closure. Trial registration number and date of registration: reference number W21_387 # 21.432, September 9, 2021.