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Craniofacial changes in unilateral microtia: I. An anthropometric study.
Journal of Craniofacial Genetics and Developmental Biology
|January 1, 1984
Summary
Severe microtia (a congenital ear defect) primarily affects facial dimensions laterally, with most significant underdevelopment in the lower face. Associated anomalies are infrequent, and body growth remains unaffected.
Area of Science:
- Anthropology
- Plastic Surgery
- Medical Genetics
Background:
- Microtia is a congenital condition affecting ear development.
- Understanding craniofacial changes in microtia is crucial for surgical planning and patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantitatively assess craniofacial changes in adult males with third-degree, right-sided microtia.
- To determine the extent and pattern of facial hemihypoplasia associated with microtia.
- To investigate associated anomalies and familial occurrence of microtia.
Main Methods:
- Anthropological measurements were taken on 100 adult males with microtia.
- Detailed craniofacial analysis was performed on 45 selected males (aged 20-42) with right-sided third-degree microtia.
- Metrical values were used to quantify facial changes.
Main Results:
- Unilateral severe microtia caused decreased height-depth dimensions on the affected side, particularly in distal facial areas.
- Facial width and median plane height dimensions remained unchanged.
- Reconstructed earlobe dimensions averaged similar to the contralateral side, with anterior inclination.
- Earlobe anomalies (protrusion) occurred in 16% of cases; cervical vertebrae anomalies in 13%; familial microtia in 4%.
Conclusions:
- Third-degree microtia leads to predictable lateral craniofacial hemihypoplasia, most pronounced distally.
- Associated anomalies are present but not universal; body growth is not impacted.
- Quantitative assessment aids in understanding the complex morphological alterations in microtia.