[Congenital auricular anomalies: Early non-surgical correction by splinting].

OBJECTIVES

Auricular deformities therapy by external molding is possible. It must be undertaken early, ideally before the sixth week of life. Persistency of maternal hormones impregnation during the first six weeks of life permits to maintain the malleable cartilages. They can thus be molded into a new position. After the end of this hormonal therapy, the cartilages gradually become rigid in a specific position.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

All infants under 6 weeks of age with isolated auricular deformities between July 2015 and July 2016 received a neonatal treatment with an external molding device called EarWell or a custom-made one with silicone. The device was removed when the infant was 6 weeks old and had a treatment duration of at least 4 weeks. A 6 months minimum follow-up was carried out to evaluate the result.

RESULTS

From July 2015 to July 2016, 42 deformed ears were treated in 38 newborns. The average age to apply the device was 2 weeks of life with a treatment duration of 5 weeks. The immediate outcome was evaluated as excellent by the parents in 81% of cases, with an ear judged as "normal" and as excellent by the surgeon in 75% of cases. There were no major complications.

CONCLUSIONS

External molding therapy for infants with ear deformities has proved to be effective in 75 to 81% of cases. It is a non-invasive treatment that avoids subsequent surgical treatment for the majority of patients.