Abstract
Objective: To explore the utility of ear molding in the treatment of congenital auricular deformations.Study Design: A retrospective chart/photograph review of a consecutive series of infants treated with the EarWell System from 2017 to 2020 was performed. Data on type of auricular deformity, treatment side, and auricular length and width were collected weekly for all study participants.Result: A total of 173 patients (274 ears) with congenital auricular anomalies were included. The treatment duration for lop ears and Stahl's ears was shorter than for other deformations. The mean treatment EarWell duration of participants who started ear molding within 14 days of birth was shorter than that of those who started treatment more than 14 days after birth with the same ear deformation. For participants with unilateral ear deformities, the length and width of both the affected and healthy ears increased over the course of treatment, equalizing after 3 weeks. For participants with bilateral ear deformities, the length and width of both ears increased rapidly over the first 3 weeks of treatment, and the length and width of both ears gradually equalized after treatment.Conclusion: Ear molding is an important intervention for treating congenital auricular deformations, and can increase auricular length and width. Early identification and initiation of treatment is crucial in the management of congenital auricular deformation.
Highlights
Congenital auricle abnormalities are classified into two major categories: malformations and deformations
The treatment durations of patients who started treatment when they were older than 14 days old vs.
A total of 86 patients had treatment initiated within 14 days of birth, with a mean treatment duration of (35.88 ± 21.87) days
Summary
Congenital auricle abnormalities are classified into two major categories: malformations and deformations. Auricle malformations are the result of an error in embryologic development and are characterized by the partial absence of the skin and/or cartilage. This results in an underdeveloped pinna that requires auricular reconstruction. Auricle deformations are characterized by a fully developed pinna without missing skin or cartilage [1, 2]. Ear molding during the neonatal period offers a window of opportunity for correcting auricular deformities and less severe malformations. This study observed and recorded the treatment duration and effect of neonatal auricle reconstruction with ear molding to provide an effective example of non-invasive clinical treatment
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