A splint for correction of congenital ear deformities

Fourteen non-hypoplastic congenitally deformed ears were treated with a simple splint with satisfactory results in all but one. These deformities can be treated non-surgically in the early neonatal period, effectively, without anaesthetic, and with minimal cost. We confirm other reports that better results are obtained and a shorter duration of splintage is needed if treatment is started early in the neonatal period. Our neonatal paediatric colleagues and midwives should be encouraged to manage these deformities in this way, and the need for surgical correction may be largely avoided in the future.