Measurement of auricle development related indexes and its application for auricular reconstruction

Abstract

Objective To analyze growth changes in the ear by measuring the width and length of ears in a Chinese population and its application for auricular reconstruction. Methods A total of 480 participants were enrolled into 1 year, 3 years, 5 years, 7 years, 9 years, 12 years, 14 years and adult groups (half were boys and half were girls in each group). Ear length and width were measured and recorded. Ear index was calculated according to ear length and ear width. The growth of auricle and differences between genders were analyzed. Results Ear length and width increased with age. Ear length achieved its mature size in both 14-year-old males and females. Ear width reached its mature size in males of 7 years and in females of 5 years. Different trends of ear index were shown between males and females. Conclusions The data indicated that ear developed with age. There were gender and ethnic difference in the development of ear. Ear reconstruction should not be performed when the age of patient is less than 12 years old, if only the development of ear width is considered, the age of patient for surgery to be performed should not be less than 7 years old. Key words: Microtia; Ear; Development