Microtia: A Review

Liliana Camison1, Rebecca C Lisk2, Magdalena Soldanska3

  • 1Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, 4401 Penn Avenue, Faculty Pavilion, Suite 7107, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, USA.

Clinics in Plastic Surgery
|February 22, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Microtia, a congenital ear malformation, results from genetic and environmental factors. Early multidisciplinary care and surgical reconstruction, like porous polyethylene or autologous techniques, are crucial for affected children.

Area of Science:

  • Plastic Surgery
  • Otolaryngology
  • Pediatrics
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Microtia is a congenital condition with varied ear malformations.
  • Its cause is multifactorial, involving genetic and environmental influences.
  • Requires early, comprehensive care from multiple specialists.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide an overview of microtia.
  • To present a historical review of the condition.
  • To illustrate two common surgical reconstruction methods.

Main Methods:

  • Overview of microtia and its history.
  • Illustrated description of porous polyethylene reconstruction with temporoparietal fascia flap.
  • Illustrated description of two-stage autologous reconstruction (modified Nagata technique).

Main Results:

  • Detailed surgical techniques for microtia reconstruction are presented.
  • Porous polyethylene and autologous methods are described.
  • The article serves as a guide to surgical options.

Conclusions:

  • Microtia management requires a multidisciplinary approach.
  • Surgical reconstruction is a key component of treatment.
  • The article details established and modified surgical techniques.