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Excision of Exposed Cartilage for Management of Mohs Surgery Defects of the Ear

LARSON, PAUL O. MD¹; RAGI, GANGARAM MD¹; MOHS, FREDERIC E. MD¹; SNOW, STEPHEN N. MD¹

¹ Section of Mohs Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin.

Address reprint requests to: Paul O. Larson MD, University of Wisconsin, Department of Surgery, Section of Mohs Surgery, 2880 University Avenue, Madison, WI 53705.

The Journal of Dermatologic Surgery and Oncology 17(9):p 749-752, September 1991. | DOI: 10.1111/j.1524-4725.1991.tb03433.x

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Abstract

Cartilage of the ear is often exposed during Mohs surgical procedures. Fenestration of the cartilage with a skin punch has been recommended to stimulate granulation tissue where the perichondrium has been destroyed. This article describes an alternative method—the excision of a window through the exposed cartilage, fully exposing the perichondrium on the other side of the cartilage. This promotes the rapid healing by second intention or provides a vascular bed for immediate skin grafting. Also, aggressive excision of nonviable cartilage helps prevent chondritis or perichondritis.