Correction of Stahl's Ear.

Abstract

Stahl's ear is a rare congenital anomaly difficult to correct surgically. This report presents the experience of the Division of Plastic Surgery, University of São Paulo Medical School for managing this anomaly. From January 1994 to September 1999, 15 patients underwent surgery (17 ears). Ages ranged from 7 to 22 (mean 15 years). Six patients were female. Four subjects were of Oriental descent, four were Negroes, and seven were Caucasians. Deformities included two bilateral, four on the left ear, and nine on the right one. Different methods were utilized for correction depending on the elasticity of the cartilage. In the presence of an elastic cartilage, sutures only are employed, otherwise the cartilage is repositioned, as described by Sugino et al. No standard characteristics were noted regarding gender or race, however, there were more unilateral cases and more on the right ear. The results were adequately satisfactory, with the two methods enabling us to recommend these surgical techniques for correction of Stahl's ear.