The posterior auricular muscle: a useful anatomical landmark for otoplasty

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.