Anterior versus Posterior Scoring of Cartilage in Otoplasty: A Retrospective Patient-related Outcome Measurement Study

BACKGROUND: Various surgical techniques are applied to correct prominent ears. However, there are limited data on the effect of otoplasty on patient-related outcome measures, such as cold ears and cold intolerance. This retrospective cohort study describes the occurrence of cold intolerance in 98 patients, with a total of 196 ears in a single center during 6 years (2011–2017). METHODS: In this study, 3 groups were identified: group I, anterior scoring of the cartilage (ie, Chong Chet); group II, posterior scoring of the cartilage and suture reposition of the cartilage; and group III, posterior approach without scoring (ie, Furnas and Mustardé). Parents of patients filled in a questionnaire with 40 questions to criticize the effect of surgery. RESULTS: Symptoms of cold intolerance and pain were reported in 44.4% (n = 16) in the anterior scoring group, 48.1% (n = 26) in the posterior scoring group, and 62.5% (n = 5) in the posterior approach group without scoring of the cartilage (P = 0.68). The satisfaction rate was significantly lower in the posterior group without scoring (Likert scale of 17.44 ± 22.01 anterior scoring, 16.02 ± 18.13 posterior scoring, and 11.13 ± 25.87 posterior approach without scoring; P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: This study underscores the fact that a great part of patients after otoplasty report symptoms of cold intolerance; however, these most often resolve and did not differ between different groups. Patients should be informed about this sequela. Furthermore, overall satisfaction rate was significantly lower in the posterior group without scoring.