A Novel Classification and Surgical Treatment Strategies for Congenital Accessory Auricle With Tragus Malformation

Congenital accessory auricle is a common aurcile malformation, often associated with tragus malformation, impacting the appearance and psychology of patients. To optimize surgical treatments for congenital accessory auricle with tragus malformation, this article proposes a novel classification and explores surgical strategies.

This retrospective study included 120 patients with congenital accessory auricle and tragus malformation who underwent surgery between December 2019 and June 2024. All patients were evaluated for postoperative outcomes using this classification method and corresponding surgical techniques, with follow-up conducted on complications and satisfaction.

The average follow-up period was 23±7.95 months. Different degrees of deformities were effectively corrected. According to the 4-point Likert scale, the average aesthetic scores for types I, II, and III were 3.98, 3.94, and 3.48, respectively. The average scores for functions were 4.00, 4.00, and 3.83. Using a 3-point scale for patient satisfaction, scores for the 3 types were 2.00, 1.97, and 1.73. Two patients (1.67%) experienced wound infections, and 1 patient (0.83%) had delayed healing in the early postoperative period. Three patients (2.5%) developed scar hyperplasia or keloids.

This study demonstrates that the new classification method for congenital accessory auricle with tragus malformation is simplicity and clarity, and has guiding significance for surgical treatment methods. The corresponding surgical methods had strong feasibility and reference value.