A Novel Ear Molding Technique for Conchal Crus and Stahl Ear Deformities

Introduction: Conchal crus and Stahl ear deformities pose challenges in pediatric plastic surgery. Surgical interventions are associated with complications such as infections, hematomas, and keloids. Ear molding is a nonsurgical method effective for newborns but reportedly less so for older infants. This study aims to demonstrate the findings following the application of a novel ear molding technique in infants with conchal crus and Stahl ear deformities. Methods: This retrospective study included 30 infants (age ≤ 3 mo of age) with conchal crus and Stahl ear deformities (n=39 ears). A 3-minute instructional video and survey with de-identified photographs of patient ears was distributed to medical student and pediatric health care professional participants. Participants rated outcomes ranging on a scale from “excellent” to “poor.” For conchal crus deformities, custom silicone prostheses were used. For Stahl ear deformities, a custom clip device was employed. Results: In our treatment of 39 ears from 30 infants utilizing the novel ear-molding technique, the average age of the patient was 9 weeks and treatment length was 8 weeks. The “excellent” and “good” categories garnered the majority of ratings for both deformity types. Ratings for conchal crus deformities were 46.43% “excellent” and 37.70% “good.” Stahl ear deformities had 45.24% “excellent” and 42.86% “good” ratings. Conclusion: Our novel ear molding techniques are effective nonsurgical treatments for conchal crus and Stahl ear deformities in infants, as evidenced by favorable ratings from health care professionals and medical students.