Experience with prosthetic reconstruction of ear defects at LUTH, Lagos, Nigeria

The aim of the article is to report our experience with prosthetic reconstruction of ear defects in Nigerians.

A review of all consecutive cases of alloplastic (prosthesis) reconstruction of auricular defects was conducted at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital. Data collected included age and sex of patients, aetiology of defects, site of defects (left or right), lost tissue (partial or total), material used for the fabrication, and mode of retention of the prosthesis.

A total of 33 consecutive patients who had prosthetic reconstruction of auricular defects during the period were included. The male-to-female ratio was 3.7: 1. Six cases (18.2%) were congenital defects and 27 (81.8) cases were acquired defects. Three (50%) of the congenital cases were microtia. Majority (63%) of the acquired cases were due to road traffic crashes. Total loss of the auricle was recorded in 22 (66.7%) patients. Of the patients with partial loss of the auricle, pinna was the major structure lost in 5 patients while pinna +lobe were lost in another 5 patients. Silicone elastomers was the most frequently used material for the fabrication of auricular prostheses (29 patients). The most frequently used retention method was silastic medical grade adhesive.

Prosthetic option is a valuable technique for the reconstruction of ear defect. The primary indication for prosthetic reconstruction of ear defect in the present study is acquired ear deformity; mainly due to road traffic crashes.