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Updated: Jun 14, 2026
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Published on: March 18, 2020
Congenital Cleft Earlobe: Classification and Surgical Techniques with a Scoping Review of the Literature
Young Joon Jun1, Yeong Jun Park2, Mi Ra Kim2
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Uijeongbu Eulji Medical Center, Eulji University College of Medicine, Uijeongbu 11759, Republic of Korea.
Insights
This study introduces a new classification for congenital cleft earlobes and demonstrates a successful reconstruction using a local flap technique. The findings offer improved methods for correcting this rare ear deformity.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Otolaryngology
- Congenital Deformities
Background:
- Congenital cleft earlobes represent a rare congenital anomaly with diverse presentations.
- Existing classification systems and reconstructive techniques lack standardization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a case of successful reconstruction for a defective-type cleft earlobe.
- To develop a unified classification system for congenital cleft earlobes.
- To review and synthesize corrective surgical methods based on earlobe subtype.
Main Methods:
- A scoping review of 14 articles identified through PubMed searches using terms 'ear deformity' and 'cleft earlobe'.
- Analysis of existing literature to establish a classification and identify reconstructive techniques.
- Surgical reconstruction of a pediatric case using a local flap technique.
Main Results:
- A simple local flap technique proved effective for reconstructing a moderate to severe defective-type cleft earlobe.
- A unified classification system for congenital cleft earlobes, comprising four subtypes (defective, simple, tag with/without hypoplasia, triple lobe), was synthesized.
- Various reconstructive options, including suture, Z-plasty, Y-V advancement, and flap procedures, were correlated with specific earlobe subtypes.
Conclusions:
- A novel, unified classification system for congenital cleft earlobes based on external appearance is proposed.
- Reconstructive techniques should be tailored to the specific subtype of cleft earlobe for optimal outcomes.
- The presented local flap technique offers a viable option for defective-type cleft earlobe reconstruction.
Abstract:
Background/Objectives: Congenital cleft earlobes are a rare deformity with variable degrees of severity. Because no widely accepted classification or corrective methods exist, we report a case of a 7-year-old boy who presented with a right defective-type cleft earlobe that was successfully reconstructed. We also elucidate the various types of congenital cleft earlobes and corrective methods through a scoping review of the literature. Methods: PubMed searches were performed using the terms ear deformity and cleft earlobe. We analyzed 14 articles to establish a classification system for congenital cleft earlobe and to identify appropriate corrective methods. Results: Our case was successfully reconstructed using a simple local flap technique that can be easily applied to defective-type cleft earlobes of moderate to severe degree. Based on this case and our systematic analysis, we have synthesized existing classification systems and surgical techniques for correcting congenital cleft earlobes according to subtype. Conclusions: We present a unified classification system for congenital cleft earlobes consisting of four subtypes based on external appearance: defective type, simple type, tag with or without hypoplasia, and triple lobe. Various reconstructive techniques-including simple suture, Z-plasty, Y-V advancement, and flap procedures-can be applied according to the specific earlobe subtype.
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