Surgical management of high-grade ear malformations in childhood

Abstract

Malformations of the ear are the most common dysplasias in childhood. Ear malformations are classified into dysplasias of the auricle, of the ear canal, and of the middle and inner ear. The latter types are fortunately relatively rare. Most common is alow-grade dysplasia of the auricle (otapostasis, cup ear). Higher-grade dysplasia of the auricle (microtiaII-III) is often associated with syndromes and/or malformations of the ear canal and the middle ear (e.g., congenital aural atresia with high-grade microtia and dysplasia of the middle ear). Functional aspects of hearing and acquisition of language as well as aesthetic aspects emphasize the importance of surgical therapy. Due to the importance of correctly scheduling surgical treatment in early childhood, this article gives an overview of the possibilities for aesthetic reconstruction of the auricle and the frequently associated functional rehabilitation of hearing.