Congenital auricular anomalies: topographic anatomy, embryology, classification, and treatment strategies.

Congenital auricular anomalies are heterogeneous, with various descriptive and eponymous terms being used. Current classification systems are useful in guiding surgical treatment of severe anomalies. However, they do not generally account for the less severe anomalies, which form the majority of congenital auricular anomalies, nor their contemporary treatment. In this article, the authors review the anatomy and embryology of the external ear and propose a simple classification of congenital auricular anomalies that encompasses all forms of congenital auricular anomalies, facilitates proper diagnosis, and guides treatment. Congenital auricular anomalies should be classified as malformational or deformational anomalies. Malformational auricular anomalies are caused by embryologic maldevelopment that occurs between the fifth and ninth week of gestation resulting in deficient and/or supernumerary auricular components. Deformational auricular anomalies result from in utero or ex utero deformational forces, including those caused by an aberrant insertion of the intrinsic or extrinsic auricular muscles. Malformational auricular anomalies generally require surgical correction during childhood or adolescence. For practical purposes, deformational auricular anomalies have a full complement of chondrocutaneous components that can be digitally manipulated to a normal shape. These anomalies are best treated by auricular molding, which is effective if it is initiated within the first 3 months of life. Deformational auricular anomalies are best regarded as a pediatric public health issue and are best managed nonsurgically. Education of neonatal pediatricians, obstetricians, family doctors, and midwives will allow proper early diagnosis of all congenital auricular anomalies, which is vital to appropriate treatment. These practitioners should be encouraged to manage deformational auricular anomalies early in life so that surgery can be largely avoided in these patients.