A novel technique for fabricating an ear prosthesis in a patient with congenital ear deformity

Abstract

Microtia is one of the forms of ear loss and deformity. A prosthesis that is simple to apply, and which has adequate suspension and acceptable aesthetics, can be useful in the rehabilitation of patients with this deficit and can improve the social and psychological effects of patients with ear amputation. The aim of this article was to describe a novel technique for fabricating ear prosthesis in a patient with congenital ear deformity. This method involves a novel method to produce an ear prosthesis using clips that were located within the layers of the final silicone ear. This study demonstrated ease of use and acceptance by the patient. Design and fabrication of silicone ear prosthesis via this new method of suspension could also be suitable for provision to children with ear microtia who are not yet suitable for surgery or would not be suited to other methods of suspension. The new method of suspension demonstrated that this approach could be used to provide low cost and acceptable silicone ear prosthesis for patients with microtia and partial ear amputation.