Reconstructing the antihelix of protruding ears by perichondrioplasty: a modified technique.

Using the experiences achieved by experimental studies on cauliflower ear, protruding ears have been operated on with a technique involving the neochondrogenic potential of the perichondrium. The underdeveloped or absent conchoscaphal angle is restored to a normal antihelix in a posterior approach by a perichondrioplasty, gently folding the cartilage. The mobilized perichondrium is used to generate new cartilage, molding the folded cartilage in the desired position. The method is described in detail and is a modification of the original technique, which, in a follow-up study, was found to give frequent recurrences. In a follow-up study on protruding ears corrected by our modified technique, a recurrence is seen in only 3.7 percent of operated ears.