title: Mirror ear: a reconstructive technique for substantial tragal anomalies or polyotia.
abstract: Polyotia (mirror ear) is an extremely rarely reported congenital anomaly of the external ear. The aetiology of this condition is unclear, and there are few descriptions of surgical techniques used. We aimed to review our experience with this condition by performing a retrospective review of the cases treated in our unit. Eight cases of polyotia treated at a referral centre for ear reconstruction in a 12 year period (1992-2004) were reviewed. Patient demographic data and associated syndromes were recorded. Operative techniques used in the cases were studied. There was an equal number of males and females. Four patients had abnormal contralateral ears and two patients were formally diagnosed as suffering from a congenital developmental syndrome. Five main components of surgical technique were found to be particularly relevant to these cases. These relate to deconstruction of the defect, management of extra cartilage, management of skin, proximity of the facial nerve and the timing of surgery. The authors conclude that a structured surgical approach can lead to successful reconstruction of these difficult abnormalities.
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic Surgery, Mount Vernon Hospital, Northwood, Middlesex, UK. sinclairgore@lineone.net
authors.forename: Sinclair M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Gore
authors.forename: Simon R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Myers
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Gault
mesh_terms: D000015:Abnormalities, Multiple; D000367:Age Factors; D002675:Child, Preschool; D062109:Dermatologic Surgical Procedures; D004200:Diseases in Twins / Q000601:surgery; D004425:Ear Cartilage / Q000002:abnormalities / Q000601:surgery / Q000637:transplantation; D004431:Ear, External / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000601:surgery*; D020220:Facial Nerve Injuries / Q000517:prevention & control; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013524:Surgical Flaps