Anteverted Concha: Case Series, Proposed Classification, Novel Management Technique, and Literature Review

Abstract

Background An anteverted concha is an uncommon ear anomaly that causes anterior ear deformity and falls under auricular deformation. Treatments vary from conservative to surgical. Limited global case reports may be due to under-recognition, prompting a proposed classification. Patients with an anteverted concha were evaluated in our department and a classification system was formulated.

Materials and Methods This study was conducted in a plastic surgery department at a tertiary care teaching hospital over a period of 2 years, from January 2021 to December 2022. This study included 22 ears of 16 patients. One patient underwent surgical correction, and two patients underwent molding therapy with excellent outcomes. In addition to reporting these patients' outcomes, we reviewed their cases to propose a classification system. Additionally, an in-depth review of the literature on the reported cases was performed.

Results Molding therapy during the early neonatal period and surgical correction later in life yielded excellent outcomes.

Conclusion An anteverted concha may be underdiagnosed. Correction is typically straightforward and may not necessitate surgery if it is diagnosed early. Surgical correction leads to excellent outcomes in symptomatic anteverted conchae in adulthood.

Keywords

ear auricle - congenital ear anomaly - anteverted concha - reverse concha - classification.

Publication History

Article published online:
24 February 2025

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