A simple reconstructive procedure for radiation-induced necrosis of the external auditory canal

Localized necrosis of the bone, cartilage, and soft tissue of the external auditory canal is an uncommon side effect of radiotherapy to the parotid re gion. Five patients developed late onset skin necrosis of a quadrant of the ear canal secondary to an underlying osteoradionecrosis of the tympanic ri ng. We report a one-stage procedure to excise the necrotic tissue and repla ce it with a local rotational flap derived from the post-auricular skin. Ot ological side effects of radiotherapy are discussed.