The punch and graft technique: a novel method of surgical treatment for chondrodermatitis nodularis helicis.

BACKGROUND: Chondrodermatitis nodularis helicis (CDNH) is a painful inflammatory condition affecting the helix of the ear. Several surgical treatments are described in the literature, with different cure rates and cosmetic outcomes.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the cure rate of a novel method of surgical treatment, the 'punch and graft' technique, for CDNH and to compare this with reported techniques.

METHODS: Twenty-three lesions in 22 patients over a period of 7 years and 4 months were treated with the punch and graft technique, which is described.

RESULTS: A cure rate of 83% was obtained. The patients were followed up for a period of 1-86 months and cosmetic results were good.

CONCLUSIONS: The punch and graft technique is a novel method for surgical treatment of CDNH, with results comparable with those of existing methods.