Congenital Auricular Deformity Research Articles

The self-correction and influence factors of congenital auricular deformity: A prospective cohort study.

To prospectively observe the self-correction of congenital auricular deformity (CAD) and explore the potential factors affecting the self-correction. This study was a multi-center prospective observational study. Newborns aged 0-3 days from 12 Maternal and Child Health Hospitals or Maternity Hospitals were chosen as the participants and prospectively followed up until week 6 after birth. The primary and secondary outcome was the score of deformity, and the secondary outcome was the improvement rate, respectively. A total of 135 newborns diagnosed with CAD (237 ears) were recruited. Boys and girls accounted for 50.37% (117 ears) and 49.63% (120 ears). The top morphological type was the constricted ear (107 ears, 45.15%). The score of deformity at baseline, week 3, and week 6 after enrollment was 4.00, 3.00, and 2.00, decreasing over time (P < 0.05). The higher the severity of deformity, the worse the self-correcting effect (P < 0.05). The scores of deformity of Stahl's ear were lower than those of others after follow-up (P < 0.05). No significant differences among the scores of deformity in different genders (P >0.05). The total improvement rate at week 3 and week 6 was 29.96% (71/237 ears) and 37.13% (88/237), respectively. The improvement rate of the Stahl's ear at week 3 and week 6 after enrollment was higher than that of four other morphological types (P < 0.05). Some CAD tends to self-correction, but for most CADs, there is still a need for early correction. Morphological types and severity of deformity are the main influencing factors on self-correcting effect, whereas sex was not.

Therapeutic effect analysis of non-invasive ear moldings on correcting congenital auricular deformity in 435 ears

Objective:To evaluate the therapeutic effect of non-invasive ear moldings on correcting congenital auricular deformity of infants. Methods:A total of 435 ears with congenital auricular deformity were treated in the department of Otorhinolaryngology of Chengdu Women and Children's Central Hospital from December 2019 to July 2023. The infants were divided into 3 groups according to the initial treatment age, i. e. , 0-30 days（group A, n=106, 175 ears）, 31-90 days（group B, n=124, 202 ears） and ≥91 days（group C, n=37, 58 ears）. All infants were corrected with Chinese ear moldings. The efficacy, complication rate and treatment duration were compared among the three groups, and the treatments of different types of auricle deformity was analyzed. Results:Through comparison of three groups, the results showed that the markedly effective and cured rate of group A was the highest, and group C was the lowest. The difference was statistically significant（P=0.008）. Specially, there was a significant decrease of after 5 months in Group C. There was no significant difference in the complication rate among the three groups（P=0.232）, and the occurrence of complications has no significant impact on treatment. Group C has the longest treatment duration and group A has the shortest. The difference was statistically significant（P<0.001）. Conclusion:Congenital auricle deformity should be early detected and intervened. The younger the age of children, the better efficacy and shorter treatment duration can be acquired. Children under 5 months still will receive a good treatment. Nevertheless, for children older than 5 months, corrective treatment may also be considered. The efficacy for malformations was significantly lower than that of deformations. The number of cases, efficacy and complication rate for different types of deformations were significantly different.

Investigation of morphometric features of auricle in newborns and etiology of auricle deformity

ABSTRACTImportanceThe diagnosis of congenital auricular deformity often relies on the clinical experience of clinicians, leading to a high incidence of misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis due to the lack of quantitative diagnostic criteria.ObjectiveTo characterize auricle morphology in newborns from southern China and explore the underlying etiology of congenital auricle deformity.MethodsA total of 636 neonates (1272 ears) with less than seven days old were included. The auricles of each infant were measured and photographed. The relationship between maternal factors and the occurrence of congenital auricle deformity was analyzed.ResultsThe incidence of auricular deformity in southern China was 79.87%. Helical rim deformity and mixed deformity had the highest incidence (17.30% each), while cryptotia had the lowest incidence (0.31%). Among mixed deformities, lop ear with conchal crus ear was the most common (22.73%). Each type of auricle deformity had distinct measurement indicators: the vertical distance of cephalo‐auricular was 73.97% longer and cephalo‐superaurale was 70.00% longer in protruding ears compared to normal auricle; the vertical distance of cephalo‐auricular was 10.96% less in lop ears, 15.07% less in conchal crus ears, and 41.1% longer in cup ears; the distance between helix and antihelix was 22.35% less in constricted ear, 12.94% greater in helical rim deformity, and 43.53% greater in Stahl's ear. Family history of hereditary ear deformity and paternal smoking were significant factors associated with ear deformity in southern China.InterpretationThe incidence of auricle deformities is high in southern China, with significant differences in the morphometric structures of different auricle types.

Classic ear moulding technique for a lop ear deformity: case report

Introduction and importance: Lop ear is a congenital auricular deformity (CAD) detected at birth. It can negatively impact aesthetic appearance and the mental health of both the parents and the infant. Therefore, a treatment initiated at an early age is imperative. Case presentation: A male newborn patient on his 11th week of his life presented with his mother to the Maxillofacial Prosthodontic Unit. The extraoral examination showed a pendulous upper part of the auricle covering the antihelix with no deficiencies. The newborn’s hearing function was normal and no associated syndrome was identified. The patient was diagnosed with congenital unilateral lop ear (Tanzer grade II constricted ear). A non-surgical correction with a classic ear moulding device was attempted at the 11th week after birth to reshape the abnormal ear. Clinical discussion: Congenital auricular deformities (CADs) are traditionally managed by an otoplasty at age 6. Unfortunately, this option can cause many unpredictable complications, such as anaesthesia risks and under-correction. Therefore, the classic non-surgical correction of congenital auricular deformities is a non-surgical and earlier alternative to otoplasty. Moreover, many patient present at an older age; an auricular moulding device can still be a successful treatment option for these older patients. Conclusion: Classic ear moulding is an early non-surgical alternative to otoplasty for managing congenital ear abnormalities. It can be initiated as early as 6 weeks after birth. Including an ear examination as a routine in every child’s immediate post-birth physical examination is crucial for early diagnosis and better outcomes.

Analysis of risk factors for congenital auriclar deformity and its different types

Objective:To Explore the clinical characteristics,risk factors,and differences in risk factors for different types of congenital auricular deformities,in order to provide theoretical basis for precise prevention and control of congenital auriclar deformity. Methods:Full-term newborns born in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from May 2022 to January 2023 were screened for auricle malformation, general information and data were collected,,and high-risk factors were investigated withself-made questionnaire.Using a case-control study method,newborns with auriclar deformities were selected as the case group and those without auriclar deformities during the same period were selected as the control group.A case-control study was conducted to analyze the incidence rate,high-risk factors,and differences in high-risk factors for different types of auricle deformities. Results:A total of 1 758 newborns （3 516 ears） were included in this study,including 562 newborns（927 ears） with auriclar deformities,the incidence of congenital malformations of the auricle is 26.37%.Among them,289 ears （8.22%） were helical rim deformity,244 ears （6.94%） were lidding/lop ear,166 ears （4.72%） were mixed deformities,131 ears （3.73%） were prominent/cup ear,79 ears （2.25%） were Stahl's ears,16 ears （0.46%） were abnormal conchal crus,and 2 ears （0.06%） were cryptotia.Maternal history of infection in early pregnancy（OR=1.513，95%CI 1.119-2.045）,previous miscarriage history（OR=1.300，95%CI 1.049-1.613）,and abnormal pregnancy（OR=1.278，95%CI 1.032-1.582） are risk factors for congenital auricular malformations.There was no statistically significant difference in the history of infection（χ²=1.877，P=0.391）,previous miscarriage（χ²=4.706，P=0.095）,and abnormal pregnancy（χ²=5.026，P=0.081） among mothers with helical rim deformity,lidding/lop ear,and mixed deformities. Conclusion:The incidence rate of congenital auricle deformity is high, with common malformations such as helical rim deformity, lidding/lop ear,and mixed deformities. Congenital auricular deformity is caused by various factors, the same risk factor has roughly the same impact on different types of morphological abnormalities.

Genetic spectrums and clinical profiles of critically ill neonates with congenital auricular deformity in the China Neonatal Genomes Project.

Congenital auricular deformity (CAD) is a complex phenotype that may occur as a single malformation or part of a congenital syndrome. The genetic architecture and utility of next-generation sequencing (NGS) in a sizable cross-sectional study of critically ill neonates with CAD have not yet been systematically investigated. This cross-sectional study investigated the genetic spectrum in critically ill neonates with CADs. Critically ill neonates with CADs (n = 251) were enrolled between August 8, 2016 and October 1, 2022. All neonates underwent NGS. The outcomes were molecular diagnostic yield, spectrum of genetic events, and clinical findings. Genetic findings were obtained in 107 neonates (42.6%), of which 67.3% (72/107) had pathogenic/likely pathogenic/variants of uncertain significance (P/LP/VUS) gene variations and 32.7% (35/107) had P/LP/VUS copy number variations (CNVs). The diagnostic rates of clinical exome sequencing were similar to those of exome sequencing. The logistic regression model revealed that CAD neonates with craniofacial abnormalities (OR = 4.15, 95% CI 2.29-7.53) or cardiovascular malformation (OR = 2.09, 95% CI 1.14-3.84) are more likely to be attributed to genetic causes. Follow-up analysis revealed that, compared to those in the undiagnosed group, the number of neonates whose care was withdrawn or who died was higher in the genetically diagnosed group (P < 0.05). This study identified a high incidence of genetic causes in critically ill neonates with CADs, with a combination of single-nucleotide variations and CNVs among the genetic causes of CAD. These findings highlight potential of NGS in the genetic testing of critically ill neonates with CADs.

Nonsurgical Creation of an Auriculocephalic Sulcus in Children With Congenital Auricular Deformities.

Nonsurgical correction of congenital auricular deformity is known to be effective in newborns. In this study, the authors investigated factors influencing the outcome of nonsurgical or surgical correction of the auriculocephalic sulcus, an important auricular structure and one that is necessary for wearing glasses or a mask. A total of 80 ears (63 children) were splinted using a metallic paper clip and thermoplastic resin in our outpatient clinic between October 2010 and September 2019. The ears were divided into a group, in which the auriculocephalic sulcus was formed nonsurgically (n =5 6) and a group, in which surgery was needed (n = 24). The authors compared the clinical characteristics of the deformities, whether cryptotia affected the superior or inferior crus, and whether constricted ears were Tanzer group IIA or IIB between the two study groups by retrospective chart review. There was a significant correlation between the age, at which ear-molding treatment was initiated and outcome ( P < 0.001). The optimal cutoff value for age, before which ear-molding treatment should be initiated was 7 months. Inferior crus-type cryptotia was corrected adequately by splinting, but all Tanzer group IIB constricted ears needed surgical treatment. Earlier initiation of ear-molding treatment is recommended, preferably before 6 months of age. Nonsurgical treatment is an effective intervention for the creation of the auriculocephalic sulcus in ears with cryptotia and Tanzer group IIA constricted ears but cannot correct for an inadequate amount of skin over the auricular margin or a defect in the antihelix.

The Multiple V-Y Advancement Modification for the Surgical Correction of Cryptotia.

Cryptotia is a rare congenital auricular deformity among Caucasians but more common in Asians. Various operative techniques have been described, such as skin graft, V-Y plasty, Z plasty, and islands skin flap. Among those techniques, V-Y plasty has many advantages and is indicated for severe cases. However, several problems remain when this method is adopted, such as conspicuous scars and lowered hairline. To overcome these problems, the authors have developed a new technique, multiple V-Y advancement modification, which stitches the skin flaps together to a tight, discrete central focal point. This technique has the advantage of hiding scars behind the earlobe, providing enough skin for the deformed areas, minimizing the condition of the hairline being lowered and auriculocephalic sulcus depth.

Treatment of congenital auricle malformation with EarWell Ear Correction Kit: A meta-analysis.

The effectiveness of EarWell Ear Correction Kit in the treatment of congenital auricle malformation and the incidence of complications are not particularly clear, so we carried out this study to provide a better reference for plastic surgeons to use EarWell Ear Correction Kit in the treatment of congenital auricle malformation. We searched the Chinese and English databases including PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang, and VIP information databases. Through this meta-analysis, we found that the effective rate of EarWell Ear Correction Kit was 89.1%. The incidence of complications using EarWell Ear Correction Kit for correction of congenital auricular deformity was 11.4%. In terms of complications, the incidence of skin lesions was 9% and the incidence of dermatitis was 3.4%. EarWell Ear Correction Kit has high efficiency in the correction of congenital auricular deformity and a low incidence of complications. It can be used for the treatment of congenital auricular deformity in patients within 6 months of birth.

A longitudinal study of changes of congenital auricular deformity regarding self-correction

This study aimed to investigate the factors associated with congenital auricular deformities and evaluate the long-term frequency of their self-correction. Ninety newborns were enrolled in the study, and data were collected within 2 weeks after birth and at 1 year. The shape of the auricle was classified into seven categories using a digital image. At 2 weeks after birth, several birth-related factors were evaluated in the auricular deformity and normal groups. At 1 year after birth, the images of auricles were compared with the images at birth, and the changes in the auricle shape were investigated. Congenital auricular deformities were observed in 139 out of 180 ears, and the major type noted was helix rim deformity (47 ears), followed by normal ears (41 ears), and cup ears (33 ears). Male sex was found to have a statistically significant association with the occurrence of auricular deformity. In the longitudinal study, among 43 neonates (86 ears) followed-up 12 months later, the self-correction rate was approximately 50%. The normal auricle and prominent ear increased, helix rim deformity and cup ear decreased significantly. The prognosis of deformity varied depending on the type of deformity. Considering the low self-correction rate in the prominent and cup ears, newborns with these deformities might be recommended to undergo management such as auricle molding technique, as required.

3D Technique-Based Nonsurgical Correction of Deformational Congenital Auricular Deformities

Introduction: Congenital auricular deformity (CAD) is a common postpartum deformity, and nonsurgical correction of CAD has been recognized as a safe and effective approach. Three-dimensional (3D) technique has been used in surgical reconstruction of unilateral microtia; however, 3D technique used in nonsurgical correction for deformational CAD has not been reported. Methods: In this study, 12 CAD patients aged from 0.6 to 7 months with 16 deformational CAD were treated with 3D technique-based personalized nonsurgical correction (3D-NSC). Patients’ CAD was photographed pre- and post-correction, and clinical outcome was evaluated as poor, fair, good, and excellent by comparing pre- and post-correction pictures. Different kinds of tests were used to analyze the data. Results: All patients got an improved auricle shape (10 excellent, 2 good, and 4 fair). Multivariate regression analysis showed that CAD type was significantly associated with correction outcome, sex and age were significantly associated with correction outcome for the 11 constructed types of CAD, and age was significantly associated with the correction outcome when we focused on the male constructed auricles. Conclusion: 3D-NSC provided a significant nonsurgical clinical treatment for CAD patients, with younger patients getting better clinical outcomes with shorter correction time.

Preoperative Flap Surgery Simulation for a Case of Cryptotia Using a 3D Printer

Summary:Cryptotia is a congenital auricular deformity. Common methods of surgical reconstruction involve creating an auricular temporal groove using local flaps and/or a skin graft. However, it can be difficult to determine which method is most suited to the unique 3-dimensional (3D) structure of each cryptotic ear. Here, we showed that creating 3D ear models of a cryptotic ear with a 3D camera and printer and using these models to simulate surgery with two different flap methods (cat’s-ear and square) allowed selection of a reconstruction method that led to good outcomes after the actual surgery. The patient was a 7-year-old girl with left cryptotia. A 3D camera was used to acquire 3D data for the ear. After structural analysis, a home 3D printer was used to print the data into 3D ear models using an elastic material. These models exhibited good plasticity. After subjecting the models to simulated cat’s-ear and square flap surgeries, the cat’s-ear flap method was considered to better reproduce the healthy side of the ear compared with the square flap method for this particular case. Ear morphology during and after the actual surgery closely resembled the model-ear morphology during and after the simulated cat’s-ear flap surgery. We successfully created a full-scale 3D model with good plasticity using a 3D camera and 3D printer. This allowed easy, noninvasive preoperative evaluation and identification of the most suitable operation for the specific case, facilitating easier, more successful surgery.

Rapeutic effect analysis of the auricle appliance on 2-6 months old infants with congenital auricle deformity

Objective: To study the effect of amazing ear correction system on 2-6 months old infants with congenital ear deformity. Method: Thirty infants (37 ears) with congenital auricular deformities were enrolled in the study. Deformities included constriction, cryptopia, helicalrim, prominent, conchal strut, and Stahl deformities and microtia. The patients were divided into 2 groups. Infants elder than 2 months were 20 cases(26 auricular malformed ears). And infants under 2 months old were 10 cases(11 auricular malformed ears). All the patients underwent ear molding using the amazing ears correction system. The patients of each group were followed-up for at least 3 months. Result: The results were divided into three levels(excellent, good, and poor) according to the correction of auricular shape. In Group elder than 2 months, 13 ears were excellent and the average treatment time was 46.85 days，5 ears were good, the average treatment time was 43.40 days and 8 ears were poor, the average treatment time was 13.13 days. In Group under 2 months old, 5 ears were excellent and the average treatment time was 28.80 days，6 ears were good and the average treatment time was 18.66 days. The patients of each group were followed-up for at least 3 months and no rebound occurred. Conclusion:Ear correction system has a significant effect on those more than 2 months and less than 6 months with congenital auricular deformity. The children who were more than 2 months old need to wear the auricle appliance over 6 weeks to achieve a satisfactory effect.

Descriptive Analysis of the Arterial Supply to the Auricle in Patients with Unilateral Microtia.

Background:Microtia is a congenital auricular deformity that occurs in 1:5,000–10,000 births. It can cause severe impairment to the patient’s self-esteem and problems regarding social integration. Multiple measures have been described in attempt to better operative outcomes of these patients. We used computed tomography (CT) angiography to analyze the vascular pattern of the auricular region before surgery.Methods:Fourteen patients with unilateral microtia were included. All underwent CT angiogram plus tridimensional reconstruction. Both healthy and microtic auricles were analyzed descriptively in terms of main arterial supply, pattern, diameter of subbranches, and angulation. The sample was divided in 2 age groups for better understanding of the data.Results:Blood supply to the auricle was found to depend on 2 main vessels: temporal superficial artery (TSA) and its subbranches (superior, middle, and lower branch) and posterior auricular (PA) artery. In the microtic group, TSA was the dominant artery in 13 of 14 cases (92%). Superior, middle, and inferior branches were present in 4, 3, and 0 cases, respectively. Three of the microtic auricles presented supply from PA artery, from which in 1 case, it represented the only supply to the region.Conclusions:There is wide variability in the blood supply of both healthy and microtic auricles; however, we were able to identify some tendencies in our sample. Further research is needed to prove the benefit of a preoperative imaging study in these patients. Still, in our experience, we found it useful as a complement for surgical planning.

Otologic and Audiology Concerns of Microtia Repair.

Microtia is a congenital auricular deformity that commonly presents with associated congenital aural atresia. The most acute concern in these patients is concomitant hearing loss at birth. A team-based approach by plastic surgeons and otologists is necessary to address both the otologic and audiologic concerns of microtia and atresia. Hearing rehabilitation is imperative; yet it should not compromise the aesthetic components of reconstruction and vice versa. Here, the authors propose a framework to evaluate and manage patients with microtia and atresia with the goal of optimizing functional and cosmetic outcomes.

Study on the recent application of ear correction model in children with congenital auricular deformity

Objective:To study the short-term effect of Earwell ear correction model on congenital auricular deformity in children. Method:Selected 38 children with ear malformation, a total of 42 ears, born at the age of 7 days to 176 days, and the average age was 62.40 days, and all of patients were used the U.S. Earwell correction model for correction. Result:Final auricular morphologic results were classified as excellent (normal shape), good (nearnormal shape), and poor (slight or no improvement). And the patients were divided into group 1 (neonatal period), group 2 (28-90 days) and group 3 (more than 90 days) according to age, after using the Earwell ear correction device, the result which evaluated excellent are 100.00%, 89.47% and 72.73% respectively, and the average correction times are 16.75 days, 26.26 days and 38.91 days respectively, the ratio of complications are 0, 73.68% and 100.00% respectively. Conclusion:The effection of Earwell ear correction model is significant for the correction of children with congenital auricular deformity , the earlier treatment cause the better result, the shorter of the correcting time , and the lower of the complication rate.

Surgical correction of constricted ear combined with Stahl's ear

Constricted ear combined with Stahl's ear is a rare ear deformity, which is a kind of complex congenital auricular deformity. From 1 January 2007 to 1 January 2014, 19 patients with constricted ear combined with Stahl's ear (Spock ear) were enrolled in this study, most of which were unilaterally deformed. To correct the deformity, a double Z-shaped skin incision was made on the posterior side of the auricle, with the entire layer of cartilage cut parallel to the helix traversing the third crus to form a fan-shaped cartilage flap. The superior crura of the antihelix were shaped by the folding cartilage rim. The cartilage of the abnormal third crus was made part of the new superior crura of antihelix, and the third crus was eliminated. The postoperative aesthetic assessment of the reshaped auricle was graded by both doctors and patients (or their parents). Out of the 19 patients, the number of satisfying cases of the symmetry, helix stretch, elimination of the third crus, the cranioauricular angle, and the substructure of the reshaped ears was 14 (nine excellent and five good), 16 (six excellent and 10 good), 17 (eight excellent and nine good), 15 (five excellent and 10 good), and 13 (two excellent and 11 good), respectively. With a maximum of a 90-month follow-up, no complication was observed. The results of the study suggested that this rare deformity could be corrected by appropriate surgical treatment, with a satisfied postoperative appearance.

Mozart Ear

Mozart ear is a congenital auricular deformity, which is mainly characterized by a bulging appearance of the anterosuperior portion of the auricle, a convexly protruded cavum conchae, and a slit-like narrowing of the orifice of the external auditory meatus. It is said to be uncommon, and because no one has yet fully described neither the disease nor the treatment, the concept of Mozart ear has not been unified. This report describes a case of a 13-year-old girl presented with an unusual congenital deformity which showed the features of Mozart ear. It is an extremely rare deformity that only about 4 clinical cases have been reported in medical literature thereby a treatment method has not been fully discussed. For surgical correction of our cases, we excised deformed conchal cartilage, turned it over, regrafted, and maintained a cosmetically positive result. We also reviewed and described the origin, current concept, and treatment method of Mozart ear.

A New Technique for Correcting Cryptotia

Cryptotia is a congenital auricular deformity in which the upper third of the auricle is buried under the temporal skin. There is no standard surgical method to correct cryptotia. This study is aimed at devising a new surgical method to correct cryptotia with good auricular contour and inconspicuous scar. We retrospectively reviewed 8 patients diagnosed with cryptotia in West China Hospital between 2006 and 2009. All of them received this new surgical method to correct cryptotia. The follow-up period ranged from 6 months to 1 year. All patients possessed good auricular contour and sufficient skin for release of the upper part of the auricle without the need for a skin graft or local skin flap transferred. All patients possessed deep auriculotemporal sulci and inconspicuous scars. There were no complications, and cryptotia did not recur in any patient.

Surgical correction of cryptotia with the square flap method: A preliminary report

Cryptotia is the fourth most common congenital auricular deformity, and it is more prevalent among Asians. A number of techniques for its correction have been introduced, and relatively favourable results have been achieved. We describe our experience with a technique for its correction using the square flap method designed on the temporal scalp and skin over the auricle. From 2001 to 2006 a total of 19 examples in 12 patients were treated. Seven patients had bilateral, and five had unilateral, cryptotia. Traction was applied to the upper part of the auricle to draw it away from the scalp, and the square flap method, consisting of two triangular flaps and one square flap, were designed on the temporal scalp and skin over the auricle. After the skin had been incised, the three flaps were freed completely, and the abnormal insertion of the auricular intrinsic muscles was detached. The flaps were then transposed, advanced, and sutured. There were no problems of viability in any patient, and all healed well. The follow-up period was 3 months to 2 years, with relatively favourable results. Function and appearance were satisfactory in all patients. The length of the helix was extended, and it was possible to increase the width of the upper part of the auricle. This technique is indicated in cases of mild to moderate cryptotia, and has many advantages, including simple and easy design, provision of enough skin for the upper and posterior portions of the auricle, sufficient depth of the auriculocephalic sulcus, and no additional skin grafting.