Anomalies Associated with Digenesis of the Ear

Abstract

Ever since I began to study congenital anomalies of the auricles, it was evident that several other deformities of the human body are a constant challenge. In fact, the auricle is at the center of the anomalies that involve neighboring structures. The frequency of associated lesions is similar to the concentric waves on the surface of still waters into which a stone is thrown. The first waves are higher and stronger and, as they become more distant, become smaller, less frequent, and finally disappear. According to a comparison with water, associated congenital anomalies are more intense and frequent near the auricle and then diminish the farther they are and become rarer the more distant they are from the ear. Every patient classified with anotia, agenesis of the auricle, or moderate ectopic microtia presents with severe congenital defects on other regions and organs. Patients with severe microtia and moderate eutopic microtia may present minor or medial anomalies in neighboring regions. The planning for reconstruction depends basically on the identification of the congenital anomaly in order to use the appropriate technique. Anomalies of the ear occur more often in male patients, and twice as often on the right side.