Repair of Pediatric Split Earlobe Deformity With Anterior Straight-Line Closure and Posterior Z-Plasty: Surgical Technique and Review of 26 Cases.

Abstract

Split earlobe deformity typically results from earring-related trauma or, less commonly, from congenital malformation. Several surgical approaches to repair the earlobe have been described, with the goals of reconstructing normal contour of the earlobe, avoiding notching of the free margin, and minimizing scar visibility. The authors reviewed 26 consecutive patients who underwent earlobe reconstruction using the senior author's novel technique, which involves anterior straight-line closure paired with a posterior Z-plasty. Baseline demographic characteristics, etiology of split earlobe, follow-up, outcomes, and rate of complications were analyzed. The median age at surgical repair was 8.04 (interquartile range, 4.53-12.84) years. Most patients had acquired split earlobe deformity secondary to trauma. Median follow-up was 86.5 (interquartile range, 29-385.5) days. Only 4 patients had less than satisfactory results, 3 having residual contour abnormality and 1 noting earlobe asymmetry. None of these patients desired revision. No keloid formation, dehiscence, or other postoperative complications were reported. The authors describe a novel and effective surgical technique that successfully reconstructs split earlobe deformity. This technique minimizes visible scarring with an anterior straight-line repair combined with posterior Z-plasty to avoid notching.