Nonsurgical Correction of Stahl's Ear in Neonates: A Case Study

Stahl's ear deformity is a congenital auricular anomaly characterized by a third crus in the auricular cartilage, giving rise to an irregular helical rim and a bent scaphoid fossa. This deformity is mainly treated surgically during childhood. However, studies regarding ear-molding techniques show that postpartum splinting offers a safer and more effective permanent correction, and that happens because of the high circulating levels of estrogen that neonates receive from their mothers right after birth, making the cartilage more malleable. We present a case that shows a newborn with unilateral Stahl's ear deformity, in which we used a molding device (EarBuddies) to permanently correct the ear's shape. After 3 weeks of treatment, the affected auricle regained its normal appearance. There were no complications. Long-term follow-up showed no recurrence. Splinting of this ear deformity seems to be a nonpainful, stress-free and, most importantly, effective nonoperative treatment. Postpartum clinical examination of the ears is crucial, as the sooner the nonsurgical correction of the deformity begins, the better the results are. A clinical screening for ear deformities should be established immediately after every child's birth to eliminate the risk for surgical intervention later in childhood.