Bat ear repair using cartilage scoring technique versus cartilage excision technique

Bat ear is a congenital condition that can have psychological effects on patients and is readily correctable, often yielding highly satisfactory outcomes for both patients and surgeons. It is crucial to select appropriate techniques in the surgical plan to ensure optimal outcomes. This study aimed to compare the outcomes of otoplasty using the cartilage scoring technique versus the cartilage excision technique for correcting the antihelix. Twenty patients were divided into two groups: group A underwent the cartilage scoring technique, and group B received the cartilage excision technique. Symmetry, satisfaction, and complications were evaluated and compared between the groups. A visual analog score (VAS) was used to assess the perceived symmetry and satisfaction in both groups. Group A (cartilage scoring technique) demonstrated excellent postoperative symmetry, with a total symmetry score of 96/100 on cartilage grading. In group B, 6 of the 10 individuals reported high satisfaction (score: 10/10 points on VAS), whereas the remaining 4 reported moderate satisfaction (score: 5–9/10 points). The total symmetry score in group B (cartilage excision technique) was 92/100, which was lower than that in group A. No relapses in angle measurements were observed in group A. In contrast, group B showed six average and four slightly overcorrected angle measurements. In group B, the postoperative measures were less satisfactory. Angle measurements were average angles in four cases, and somewhat overcorrected in six. Regarding the helix-to-mastoid distance, three cases were within the average range, whereas seven were slightly overcorrected. No relapses were observed in either group. Concerning complications, we employed minus scoring to measure all complications. Group A had a negative score of −19, whereas group B had −24. The outcomes were highly satisfactory for patients and surgeons treated using the cartilage scoring technique, and relatively less satisfactory for patients and surgeons treated using the cartilage excision technique.