Reverse (convex) conchal bowl: Report of eight cases and its correction by modified conchoplasty technique

Abstract

M inor variations in the external ear are numerous. These include anotia, microtia, macrotia, cryptotia, prominent ears and question mark ear, in addition to the anomalies of the lobule, accessory auricle, preauricular sinus and fistula. However, Yii and Walker (1) reported one additional anomaly of the auricle. In a 12-year-old boy of Asian origin, they found that the conchae were completely reversed, being convex rather than concave, producing an obvious deformity in otherwise normal ears. The present series of eight patients with similar anomalies suggests that this condition may be underdiagnosed or neglected because of lack of other otological abnormalities. However, some patients may be affected psychologically due to the cosmetic disfigurement produced by this anomaly. The surgical correction of this anomaly, in the form of a modified conchoplasty technique, offers a simple and effective means of restoring the patient's self-confidence and well being. CASE PRESENTATIONS At the authors' institution, eight patients (Table 1) with similar anomalies of the concha, in the form of reverse conchal bowl, were encountered over a three-year period between

The Outward Curved Concha, an Unfamiliar Congenital Auricular Deformation: A Novel Protocol for Nonsurgical Management

“…When the condition is severe, total obstruction of the auditory meatus may result in hearing loss. 12,13 Surgical management has been suggested for this condition, [14][15][16] but only 1 paper presented a conservative nonsurgical treatment, with splinting initiated in a 3-month-old infant. 13 The aim of this paper is to describe this unfamiliar anomaly and the treatment by a novel nonsurgical management protocol that implements the EarWell system.…”