Comparative study between anterior and posterior scoring in otoplasty for bat ear

Abstract

This study is meant to compare between anterior and posterior scoring techniques for the correction of prominent ear primarily in terms of cosmesis and patients’ satisfaction. We included 50 patients who were randomly assigned to anterior scoring (AS; 25 subjects with a total of 45 ears) or posterior score (PS; 25 subjects with a total of 47 ears). All patients were subjected to full history taking, general & local examinations and laboratory investigations. We analyzed the age, sex, surgical technique, the need for a second operation, type of anesthetics, additional procedures, follow-up, complications, and results. Both groups were comparable as regard patient characteristics, laterality of prominent ear, intra-operative and follow up measurements and complications. However, posterior scoring results in a high satisfaction rate with low morbidity. It was shown to be safe (low complication rate), simple and reliable intervention. Thus, we advocate posterior scoring during correction of prominent ears deformity.