Laser Assisted Cartilage Reshaping (LACR) for the treatment of protruding ears

Introduction. Protruding ears are a common congenital condition. Since the early work of Dieffenbach in 1845, over 170 surgical methods have been proposed for their correction. Since 2004 and the work of Mordon, INSERM U703 has been working on Laser Assisted Cartilage Reshaping (LACR) for the treatment of protruding ears. Methods. Between 2004 and 2010, three series of patients were treated with laser Er: Glass 1540 nm for the treatment of protruding ears. These series were performed after animal series on rabbits. This article discusses the characteristics of the chosen animal model and the difficulties in transition to clinical practice. Clinical trials and future applications are then discussed. Results. Since our original publication in 2004 on the animal model, 49 patients were operated by this technique and are included in three different studies. The therapy was well tolerated in each case. When the fluence used was 84 J/cm(2) and the splint correctly molded, the correction obtained and its stability over time appeared similar to that obtained by the conventional technique. In addition we noted that this technique offered a more regular and natural curvature of the ear, without any scars. Conclusion. The LACR, performed without anesthesia, is a promising therapy for protruding ears. Other applications are now being considered including as an alternative to conventional septoplasty.