Management of helical adhesion malformation

Abstract

Congenital auricular anomalies are common, however very few articles in the English literature address helical adhesion malformation, whereby the helix is adhered to the scapha. We describe a surgical approach to correct helical adhesion malformation which, unlike previously described methods, is simpler and results in an inconspicuous scar on the back of the ear. We illustrate our technique with an 11-year-old girl with bilateral helical adhesion malformations. Satisfactory ear shape was achieved bilaterally without complication. Meticulous dissection over the helix and exposure beyond the adhesion is of paramount importance in successfully correcting this malformation. Through a posterior auricular incision, this wide exposure and visualisation of the helix can be attained, with the added benefit of a scar hidden on the back of the ear.

Keywords: Auricular malformation; Helical adhesion; Otoplasty; Pointed ear.