Thread method according to Merck (2000)
Similar to the Fritsch method, the Merck thread method involves stitching the mattress with Gore-Tex threads from the front and back. The cartilage is not worked on, but fixed with the threads. Dr. Merck usually performs his procedures under local anaesthetic and allows the patient to decide at the operating table how tightly the ear should be attached. Occasionally, the Merck suture method also uses fine sutures on the back of the ear to close the skin at the puncture sites. However, these are self-dissolving. No bandage is applied after the ears have been stitched, but a headband is recommended for 4 weeks at night. An antibiotic is given for three days.
How does the Fritsch thread method work?
(1995) In the Fritsch suture method, mattress sutures are placed via small punctures to form the anthelix fold. Separate stitches are also used to achieve a rotation of the auricle (concharotation). Fritsch describes his technique, published in 1995, as incisionless otoplasty.
The Veccione thread technique with mattress seams.
(1979) With this folding technique or suture technique, the cartilage is weakened with the help of a curved cannula so that there are practically no skin incisions, only punctures. There is therefore no need for a skin suture when creating the ears with this suture method.
The Kaye thread method is the oldest variant.
(1967) Kaye was the first to publish a minimally invasive method of ear placement. In a way, this is the first description of the so-called suture method.
His technique can be described as follows: A slit is made at the rear lower end of the auricle in order to weaken the ear cartilage from here using the Ritz method (Stenström 1963). Several stitches are used to knot the threads so that they form the anthelix fold and your knots disappear under the skin.
Sources:
- Incisionless otoplasty: Incisionless otoplasty – Fritsch MH. – Laryngoscope. 1995 May;105(5 Pt 3 Suppl 70):1-11.
- Minimally invasive otoplasty: Minimally invasive otoplasty – Benedict M, Pirwitz KU. – ENT. 2005 Mar;53(3):230-7 . German.
- Needle scoring of the anterior surface of the cartilage in otoplasty. – Vecchione TR. – Plast Reconstr Surg. 1979 Oct;64(4):568
- A simplified method for correcting the prominent ear. – Kaye BL. – Plast Reconstr Surg. 1967 Jul;40(1):44-8.
- Surgery of the auricle – Hilko Weerda – Thieme – 2004
