Cryptotia – a case report and literature review

Abstract

Cryptotia is a congenital defect that affects the upper third of the auricular cartilage which is being buried underneath temporal skin; underdevelopment of temporoauricular sulcus is also observed. The problem predominantly affects Asians andis relatively rare among Europeans. In addition to aesthetic flaws, cryptotia impairs the auricular function by preventing wearing glasses, face masks, or hearing aids. The defect is caused by abnormal attachment or function of the intrinsic auricularmuscles which are primarily responsible for the formation of the antihelix. Consequently, two subtypes of the deformity aredistinguished: subtype I, being the most prevalent and associated with abnormalities within the transverse and superiorauricular muscles; and subtype II, associated with abnormalities within the oblique auricular muscles, and leading to minorcartilage deformities. Cryptotia can be treated conservatively in infants of up to six months of age. The treatment consists inexternal corrective braces being applied to achieve excellent aesthetic outcomes. In older children and adults, surgical procedures are the most effective treatment option. Otoplasty as performed in cryptotia reconstruction involves the formation oftemporoauricular sulcus, the coverage of the resulting skin defect on the medial surface of the auricle, and surgical correctionof the deformed cartilage.