Efficacy of Ear Molding in Infants using the EarWell Infant Correction System and Factors Affecting Outcome.

BACKGROUND: One-third of infants have ear anomalies, and less than one-third self-correct. Correction of ear deformities by molding exploits the plasticity of the auricular cartilage because of circulating maternal estrogen during infancy. In this study, the authors assess the efficacy of the EarWell Infant Correction System in the correction of ear deformities and determine the factors that affect its outcome. METHODS: The authors conducted a single-center prospective study over a 3-year period. Consecutive full-term infants who underwent ear molding with the EarWell system were recruited. Primary outcome was successful correction of ear anomaly. Secondary outcomes included complications and maintenance of ear shape. Factors identified included type of anomaly, age at application, duration of application, and breastfeeding. RESULTS: Sixty-seven patients with a total of 105 ears were recruited. The anomalies were classified into deformations (66.7 percent) and malformations (33.3 percent). The median age group at presentation was 0 to 7 days (67 percent). Average duration of application was 4.1 weeks. Successful correction was achieved in 86 percent of patients. Ear deformations achieved a significantly higher rate of successful outcome (98 percent) compared with malformations (64 percent) (p < 0.001). Skin complications were common (46 percent) and attributed to our tropical climate. Patients with complications were of a higher mean age (22.1 days) compared with patients with no complications (10.6 days) (p = 0.037). CONCLUSIONS: The EarWell system is an effective nonsurgical option for the treatment of ear anomalies. The type of anomaly was the only predictor of successful correction, whereas age at application, duration of molding, and breastfeeding were not. Complications were more common in older infants. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

The spiral flap for fingertip resurfacing: short-term and long-term results.

PURPOSE: We describe a homodigital neurovascular island flap for reconstructing large pulp defects of the fingertips and review the short-term and long-term appearance and function of the reconstructed fingertips. METHODS: The spiral flap is a homodigital neurovascular island flap with a unique spiral advancement and transposition design that allows pulp reconstruction using sensate glabrous skin while restricting donor morbidity to the injured digit. Thirty-two fingertips were resurfaced using this flap. All had large pulp defects averaging 1.2 cm wide x 2.0 cm long (1.0-2.0 cm x 1.5-2.5 cm). Short-term results (<18 months) for all patients at a minimum of 6 months and long-term results (>5 years) for 10 patients with a mean follow-up of 13 years were reviewed. Objective outcome measures included static 2-point discrimination, degree of nail deformity (beaking), total active motion, and hypersensitivity or cold intolerance. Subjective outcome measures included patient satisfaction with function and aesthetics, using a visual analog scale. RESULTS: All flaps achieved primary healing with no complications. There was initially mild extension deficit in the proximal interphalangeal and distal interphalangeal joints, which improved to full range of motion in the long term. Sensory recovery was excellent, with an average 2-point discrimination of 5 mm initially, improving to 4 mm in the long term. Nail beaking was minimal initially but increased significantly in the long term. These results may be explained by soft tissue remodeling. All patients on long-term follow-up were highly satisfied with both aesthetic and functional outcome. There was no hypersensitivity or cold intolerance at either the short-term or long-term follow-up assessments. CONCLUSIONS: The spiral advancement-transposition flap is suitable for resurfacing large pulp defects with excellent short-term and long-term functional and aesthetic results and high patient satisfaction. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.