OBJECTIVETo investigate the method for creation of auriculocephalic sulcus.

METHODSThe reconstruction was performed 4-12 months after the first surgery. Skin incision was made 5mm posterior to the outer margin of the auricle. The ear framework was elevated with a thick fascia at the deep surface. The costal cartilage banked at the first operation was shaved and transplanted to the deep surface of the concha with sutures. The position and angle of the ear framework was adjusted to be familiar to the healthy ear. The auriculocephalic angle was slightly larger than that in the contralateral ear. Two flaps were designed at the upper and lower area of reconstructed ear and rotated to cover the cartilage. The wound at the donor site was closed with skin graft.

RESULTSA total of 72 patients were treated. All the flaps survived completely. 51 patients were followed up for 3-24 months with satisfactory results. The auriculocephalic sulcus maintained at about 20-30 degree.

CONCLUSIONSIt is a simple, safe and reliable method to create a auriculocephalic sulcus with two random skin flaps from mastoid area combined with skin graft.