A simple photographic classification of protruding ears

Abstract

Backgroud: Protruding ear is the most commonly found auricular populational deformity with significant social consequences. The problem is clearly perceptible in frontal facial images, but a simple photographic classification for prominence has not yet been defined. Methods: Frontal facial images of forty patients with protruding ears and 102 controls were prospectively collected. A rectangle was drawn in each ear, involving its full visible anatomy. The height of each rectangle was divided by its width in each ear. Results: Results show a trend for higher values in the protruding ears group when compared to controls for both ears. Discussion: This finding can be useful for the classification of this auricular deformity.