Congenital aural and pre-auricular sinuses in the South African Bantu.

The incidence of ear pits was studied in the South African Bantu population. A short account of the anatomy, occurrence, inheritance, developmental origin, complications and treatment of this anomaly was given. Mention has been made of the clinical significance and the possible association between ear pits and other systemic and ear abnormalities, including deafness. There seems to be a higher incidence of other abnormalities in children born with sinuses. The blanket term 'pre-auricular fistula' should possibly be discarded in favour of auricular sinuses or ear pits.