Correction of congenital auricular deformities by splinting in the neonatal period.

Many congenital ear deformities involve abnormal plical folding. This appears to be a result of deficient intrinsic and extrinsic auricular muscle activity as well as intrauterine pressure effects. These deformities can usually be corrected by appropriate splinting in the neonatal period, a time when estrogen activity is increased and the ear is very malleable. The methods used and the results of treatment are presented.