Closure of conchal defects. The hinged retroconchal island flap with overlying cutaneous transposition flap.

BACKGROUND

Conchal defects secondary to surgical procedures or trauma often cannot be closed primarily.

OBJECTIVE

Tissue transfer for closure of defects must be tension free and not create a postauricular sulcus too shallow.

METHODS

A retroconchal island flap provides such a closure. A rhomboid transposition flap used to provide closure of the donor site retains the depth of the posterior sulcus.

RESULTS

The closure of the defect heals well within 4-6 weeks even in presence of scar tissue from multiple prior surgeries.

CONCLUSION

The retronconchal island flap is a simple, reliable technique to close the defect of the concha without sacrificing the natural depth of the posterior sulcus.