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The posterior auricular muscle: a useful anatomical landmark for otoplasty

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  07 March 2017

C Stephen  and
A G Lowrie
C Stephen*
Affiliation:
Department of Plastic Surgery, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, Scotland, UK
A G Lowrie
Affiliation:
Department of Plastic Surgery, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, Scotland, UK
*
Address for correspondence: Mr Christopher Stephen, Department of Plastic Surgery, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee DD2 1UB, Scotland, UK Fax: 01382 635194 E-mail: chrisstephen72@gmail.com
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Abstract

Background:

The correct anatomical placement of conchomastoid sutures during suture otoplasty can sometimes prove challenging. If the suture vector is inaccurate, reduction can be difficult and this may lead to malrotation of the pinna.

Methods:

This paper describes the adoption of the auricularis posterior muscle, which runs from the mastoid to the concha and whose function is to adduct the pinna, as a marker for conchomastoid suture placement.

Results and conclusion:

The muscle is easily identified and dissected, providing a landmark for the placement of sutures onto the adjacent concha and mastoid fascia. This allows for an anatomical reduction of the pinna. It is believed that this approach will prove useful to the otoplasty surgeon.

Keywords

PinnaplastyOtoplastyConchomastoid SuturesSuture OtoplastyAuricularis PosteriorPosterior Auricular Muscle
Type
Short Communication
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 131 , Issue 5 , May 2017 , pp. 465 - 467
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 2017 

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References

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