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Systematic Review on Microtia: Current Knowledge and Future Directions
Filippo Hellies1, Silvia Fracaro1, Gino Marioni2
1Bioacoustics Research Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience-DNS, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy.
Background:
Microtia is a congenital outer ear deformity that causes the auricle to be absent or underdeveloped. It is frequently associated with external auditory canal atresia and causes hearing and psychosocial problems.
Objectives:
We thoroughly investigate the aspects of microtia and explore both current and innovative therapies.
Methods:
A systematic literature review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines, focusing on microtia and reconstruction methodologies. This review utilized three databases: PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science.
Results:
The etiology involves both genetic and environmental factors and can occur as part of a syndrome or as an isolated condition. Clinically, it has esthetic and functional implications, potentially leading to conductive hearing loss. A multidisciplinary approach is essential for treatment, which includes surgical reconstruction using autologous cartilage or synthetic prostheses. Advances in bioengineering and 3D printing offer new, less invasive solutions.
Conclusions:
This review aims to synthesize current knowledge on microtia, focusing on tissue engineering for auricular reconstruction, identifying research gaps, evaluating techniques, and providing a resource for clinicians to improve decision-making and foster further research.
Insights
Microtia, a congenital ear deformity, presents aesthetic and hearing challenges. Current and emerging therapies, including bioengineering and 3D printing, offer improved reconstructive solutions for this condition.
Area of Science:
- Craniofacial surgery
- Biomedical engineering
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Microtia is a congenital deformity characterized by an underdeveloped or absent auricle.
- Often co-occurs with external auditory canal atresia, leading to hearing impairment and psychosocial issues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comprehensively review microtia, encompassing its etiology, clinical implications, and treatment modalities.
- To explore both established and novel therapeutic strategies for auricular reconstruction.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature review adhering to PRISMA guidelines was performed.
- Searches were conducted across PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases.
- Focus was placed on microtia and various reconstruction methodologies.
Main Results:
- Microtia etiology is multifactorial, involving genetic and environmental influences, and can manifest as part of a syndrome or in isolation.
- Clinical impacts include aesthetic concerns and conductive hearing loss, necessitating a multidisciplinary treatment approach.
- Surgical reconstruction options include autologous cartilage grafts and synthetic implants, with bioengineering and 3D printing emerging as innovative, less invasive alternatives.
Conclusions:
- This review synthesizes current knowledge on microtia, emphasizing tissue engineering for auricular reconstruction.
- It aims to identify research gaps, evaluate existing techniques, and guide clinical decision-making.
- The findings serve as a resource to advance research and improve patient outcomes in microtia treatment.
