Anthropometric Study of the Normal External Ear in Adult Thai People; Age and Sex-Related Difference

Abstract

Background: The reconstruction of an abnormal ear pinna is the most challenging problem for a plastic surgeon. Knowing the normal dimensions of the external ear pinna is an important factor for planning an ear reconstruction surgery especially in bilateral abnormality cases. There were few studies on this aspect from various populations and the ear dimensions were different among ethnicity. The present study attempted to provide anthropometry of the normal Thai ear pinna. Objective: The present study aims to study normal ear dimensions and position on the face of the Thai people. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was undertaken from January 2007 to December 2008 in Ramathibodi Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand. A total of 250 subjects with normal ears and faces were measured them both ears. The 131 women and 119 men with an age of 16 to 89 years old were included and subgroup into seven age groups. Ear dimensions and related facial dimensions were measured. Results: The mean length and width of the ear pinna, concha, ear lobule, auricular inclination angle, protrusion at the most superior part of the helix level, and Tragal level in males was significantly larger than the female. The mean length and width of the ear pinna, ear lobule, and the length of concha were significantly longer in an older age group. Moreover, the mean length and width of the ear pinna and the lobule were significantly higher in the higher weight and BMI group but not for the higher height group. The left and right ear dimensions were not significantly different. Conclusion: Men’s ear pinna is a larger and wider angle of inclination than women’s. Bodyweight and BMI have a positive correlation with ear dimensions. Moreover, the ear pinna was increasing in size throughout life in both cartilaginous and non-cartilaginous parts. Keywords: Anthropometry; Ear; Auricle; Thai; Age