Newborn Ear Deformities: Early Recognition and Novel Nonoperative Techniques

Abstract

Congenital auricular anomalies are common sources of aesthetic concern and psychosocial distress for both children and their parents. Only one-third of these anomalies self-correct, leaving a large need for acceptable corrective methods. Otoplasty is often the standard treatment; however, newer nonsurgical methods, including splinting and molding in the neonatal period, have shown favorable results without the complications of surgical intervention and with the advantage of early intervention. These treatment options have not yet been widely adopted in Western countries due to delayed diagnosis of auricular deformities and confusion regarding treatment indications and technique.

Non-surgical correction of cryptotia

“…Congenital ear deformities are common causes of aesthetic concern and psychosocial distress for both children and their parents. 10 , 11 Although one-third of ear deformations correct spontaneously, 12 cryptotia usually does not resolve over time. Children with cryptotia commonly encounter functional difficulties when they wear devices that rely on the temporoauricular sulcus for stability such as spectacles.…”

Non-surgical Correction of Congenital Ear Anomalies: A Review of the Literature

“…Congenital ear anomalies are a defect that may occur during the fetal or perinatal period. There are two different kinds of ear anomalies: malformations, chondro-cutaneous defects occurring during fetal development, 1 – 4 and deformations, which develop perinatally. 1 Examples of malformations are microtia (small external ear), anotia (no external ear), or preauricular skin tags or sinuses.…”

“…There are two different kinds of ear anomalies: malformations, chondro-cutaneous defects occurring during fetal development, 1 – 4 and deformations, which develop perinatally. 1 Examples of malformations are microtia (small external ear), anotia (no external ear), or preauricular skin tags or sinuses. 1 , 5 Examples of deformations are conchal crus, cryptotia, helical rim deformities, lidding/lop ear, Stahl’s/Spock ear, and prominent ear (Figs.…”

Identifying Ear Abnormality from 2D Photographs Using Convolutional Neural Networks

“…There are several approaches to treat patients with ear deformity including surgical 3,4 and nonsurgical intervention 5,6 . Otoplasty is often performed during childhood through adulthood or when the ear has reached its full size.…”

“…Otoplasty is often performed during childhood through adulthood or when the ear has reached its full size. Nonsurgical methods, such as splinting or rigid ear molding, take advantage of the plasticity of auricular cartilage during the neonatal period, correcting the deformity over the first month of life 5 . Early identification of ear deformity is crucial for the success of non-invasive ear molding 7 .…”