Subcision surgery for the correction of ear deformities

Abstract

The authors report the application of subcision surgery to ear deformities for crosscutting and weakening of the deformed cartilage. The subcision techniques for correction of a deformed cartilage are divided into two groups. With the first method, termed "horizontal subcision," a 18-gauge needle is inserted horizontally through a puncture in the skin surface, and multiple passes are made. With the second method, termed "vertical subcision," a sweeping motion of the needle is used for crosscutting of the deformed cartilage. An experimental study was conducted using 10 rabbits (20 ears) to test the authors' clinical observations. On the basis of histologic analysis, the authors hypothesized that with the horizontal subcision technique, the sharp edge of the needle damages the perichondrium and weakens the cartilage by creating multiple irregular microincisions. With regard to the vertical incision technique, gross examination showed partial or complete cuts of the cartilage. Subcision surgery was successfully used in eight cases.