Ear deformities cover a
good range of defects concerning the external ear, the part
we see. Some abnormalities include defects within the shape of the ear cartilage, extreme protrusion of the ear and complete absence of the whole ear cartilage
shape, often with only a small bit of earlobe and tissue present. The unique nature of a child’s ear deformity will determine the timing and sort of reconstruction necessary.
we see. Some abnormalities include defects within the shape of the ear cartilage, extreme protrusion of the ear and complete absence of the whole ear cartilage
shape, often with only a small bit of earlobe and tissue present. The unique nature of a child’s ear deformity will determine the timing and sort of reconstruction necessary.
Reason of Ear Deformity:
The causes of ear
deformities are varied. Most ear deformities are congenital, meaning
they're present from birth. In rare cases, children develop ear deformities
from trauma or disease.
In some children, an ear
deformity may be a symptom of a genetic disease which will affect multiple body
systems, like Goldenhar syndrome and CHARGE syndrome. Ear deformities are often
inherited or caused by genetic mutations.
(Ear Deformity Before and after Surgery)
Types of Ear Deformity:
1. Prominent ears – Also
known as lop ear or cup ears, are a deformity where the ears project more than
the normal distance from the skull. Measured from the mid-portion of the ear
back to the skull behind the ear, projection should be between 15 to 18
millimetres in a 5-year-old or adult individual. Over projection of the ear
could also be secondary to a rise within the angle the ear cartilage takes from
its junction with the auditory meatus and skull, an excess of conchal
cartilage, or an absence of the antihelical fold. Combinations of these causes
frequently occur.
2. Constricted ear - The
constricted ear deformity is characterised by partial absence of skin and
cartilage which involves the helical rim, scapha, and/or concha. In its
simplest form, a lidding of the superior helical rim is present. The
tilting-over of the helical rim is secondary to a tightening and deficiency
within the anterior skin between the scapha and rim.
3. Microbial - Microtia
is characterised as the absence of the majority of the pinna. A vestige of the
pinna or auricle remains as a vertically-oriented attachment, and therefore the
earlobe persists because the only identifiable structure. The external auditory
meatus and tragus is usually absent. Associated with the absence of the
external canal are deformities within the center ear and absence of the eardrum
. For these reasons, children with microtia have varying degrees of deafness .
Typically, the deafness is conductive in nature as against neurogenic.
4. Anotia - Anotia is a
very rare deformity characterised by total absence of the pinna. There is no
lobule, microtic vestige, or canal. The hairline typically drops across the
zone where the ear would normally appear.
Treatment of Ear Deformity:
At Sukriti clinic, during the first stage, rib cartilage is removed and reshaped
to match the non-deformed ear. This “new ear” shape is then inserted underneath
the hairless skin within the area of the affected ear. At this point , the
earlobe could also be moved into an edge to raised suite the ear afterward .
Any unnecessary, remaining bits of ear are going to be removed during this
process. This stage ends with an ear with a good shape located below the skin,
against the side of the child’s head.
The second stage of
treatment can be performed 4-6 months after the first treatment has adequately
healed. During this surgery the ear is lifted from its previous position. Extra
cartilage, saved during the first surgery, is used to help prop the ear out
from the head, giving it a more normal position. A skin graft either from the
chest or from behind the ear is used to make sure the extra cartilage is
properly covered.
After this stage, the
projection and shape of the ear has been established.
Dr.
Geetika paliwal is a cosmetic surgeon at Sukriti Plastic Surgery Clinic
specializes in all types of cosmetic surgeries. She has a vast experience in
managing rare and challenging cases pertaining to their specialities in the best
ways described.
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