Birth and evolution of chiselling and drilling techniques for removing ear canal exostoses.

The main surgical techniques used to remove ear canal exostoses are drilling and/or, chiselling.

The aim of this study was to identify the origins and subsequent evolution of, the surgical removal of ear canal exostoses in the 19th century.

A critical review and, compilation of primary and secondary historical sources was conducted.

Two techniques for removal of exostoses were developed in the latter part of the 19th century and have largely remained unchanged. This demonstrates the importance of that era in the history of ear surgery.