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Polyotia (mirror ear) is an extremely rarely reported congenital anomaly of the external ear. The aetiology of this condition is unclear, and there are few descriptions of surgical techniques used. We aimed to review our experience with this condition by performing a retrospective review of the cases treated in our unit. Eight cases of polyotia treated at a referral centre for ear reconstruction in a 12 year period (1992-2004) were reviewed. Patient demographic data and associated syndromes were recorded. Operative techniques used in the cases were studied. There was an equal number of males and females. Four patients had abnormal contralateral ears and two patients were formally diagnosed as suffering from a congenital developmental syndrome. Five main components of surgical technique were found to be particularly relevant to these cases. These relate to deconstruction of the defect, management of extra cartilage, management of skin, proximity of the facial nerve and the timing of surgery. The authors conclude that a structured surgical approach can lead to successful reconstruction of these difficult abnormalities.

Original publication

DOI

10.1016/j.bjps.2005.09.026

Type

Journal

Journal of plastic, reconstructive & aesthetic surgery : JPRAS

Publication Date

01/2006

Volume

59

Pages

499 - 504

Addresses

Department of Plastic Surgery, Mount Vernon Hospital, Northwood, Middlesex, UK. sinclairgore@lineone.net

Keywords

Ear, External, Surgical Flaps, Humans, Facial Nerve Injuries, Abnormalities, Multiple, Diseases in Twins, Retrospective Studies, Age Factors, Child, Preschool, Female, Male, Ear Cartilage, Dermatologic Surgical Procedures, Plastic Surgery Procedures