Congenital aural atresia: anatomy and surgical management.

Malformations involving the ear may be part of a developmental anomaly of the first and second branchial arch or of a malformation syndrome involving other regions of the skeleton. The anatomy and pathogenesis are discussed, a classification is suggested, and the general management is outlined. A surgical technic for the treatment of Group II (moderately severe) aural atresia is described. Of 21 patients, treated surgically during the past 12 years, 15 patients (71%) gained serviceable hearing. In six patients hearing was not improved.