“Intra Scaphal Opposing Sutures” for Stahl’s ear correction

Abstract

Stahl’s ear deformity is a rare congenital abnormality and is characterized with the presence of an abnormal third crus in the upper pole of the auricle. Although various techniques are advised, there is no standard surgical correction option. In this study, we have tried to show a new suture method to able to correct Stahl’s ear deformity as a more practical and less invasive way. This study includes 4 patients and 4 ears having Stahl ear deformity that was corrected by “Intra Scaphal Opposing Sutures”. The patients were followed up for 12 months with clinical examination and photography.  Patient satisfaction was good with favorable results. Suturing techniques are common procedure  for Stahl’s ear correction. They can be used alone or in combination with excision, scoring and/or reshaping techniques. The main advantages of our technique are: using a smaller posterior incision, limited dissection and less destruction without performing any excision. Stahl’s ear correction with Intra Scaphal Opposing Sutures may offer  a practical and stable solution  in selected cases, especially with minor presence of  aberrant third crus.