The subcutaneous hinge flap: An effective treatment for chondrodermatitis nodularis of the antihelix

Chondrodermatitis nodularis helicis is an inflammatory disease that can originate on either helix or antihelix. For both occasions the treatment of choice is surgery, especially for recurrences. However, only few surgical techniques have been described for chondrodermatitis nodularis of the antihelix with varying degrees of success. Poor vascularisation of the cartilage appears to be an important contributing factor in the pathophysiology of the disease, lacking a subcutaneous layer for supporting blood supply and pressure relief. An intervention with cartilage shaving and application of a retro-auricular subcutaneous hinge flap would therefore have our preference. In this study five patients have undergone this procedure with a mean follow-up of nine months. No recurrences or cosmetic complaints have been reported. Although long term results are yet to be awaited, we deem this technique effective in treating chondrodermatits nodularis of the antihelix.