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Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Published in:

01-02-2022 | Review

Nonsurgical Treatment for Congenital Auricular Deformities: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Authors: Huanhuan Wu, Zehao Niu, Guo Li, Yan Li, Bingqing Wang, Jing Qian, Yue Wang, Hanyi Jiang, Youbai Chen, Yan Han

Published in: Aesthetic Plastic Surgery | Issue 1/2022

Abstract

Background

The effectiveness and safety of non-surgical correction for congenital auricular deformities (CADs) remain unclear owing to a lack of high-level evidence. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the overall success and complication rates of the non-surgical correction for CAD.

Methods

We searched PubMed, Medline, and Cochrane Library for eligible studies. The pooled success and complication rates of non-surgical correction were estimated using a random effects model. Subgroup analyses were performed to compare the success rates between patients treated with splints and molding systems, between those younger and older than 6-weeks, and among those with different types of CADs.

Results

The review yielded 14 studies. The pooled success rate of non-surgical treatment was 93% (95% CI: 88%-97%). The success rates with splints and commercialized molding systems were 94% and 92%, respectively. The success rate was higher if non-surgical correction was initiated before age 6 weeks (96% vs. 82%). Prominent ears showed a lower success rate (85%) than other types of CADs (all > 90%). The pooled complication rate was 18% (95% CI: 10%-29%). Complications, including skin wound, irritation, and rash, were mild and easily treatable.

Conclusion

The non-surgical correction of CADs is highly effective and safe. Splints and molding systems offer similar effectiveness. Non-surgical correction is more beneficial if applied within 6 weeks of birth. Prominent ears have a lower, but still acceptable, success rate compared to other types of CAD. We recommend the early use of non-surgical correction to achieve favorable outcomes.

Level of Evidence III

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.

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Title: Nonsurgical Treatment for Congenital Auricular Deformities: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Huanhuan Wu
Zehao Niu
Guo Li
Yan Li
Bingqing Wang
Jing Qian
Yue Wang
Hanyi Jiang
Youbai Chen
Yan Han
Publication date: 01-02-2022
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Aesthetic Plastic Surgery / Issue 1/2022
Print ISSN: 0364-216X
Electronic ISSN: 1432-5241
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00266-021-02427-9

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Nonsurgical Treatment for Congenital Auricular Deformities: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Level of Evidence III

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Level of Evidence III

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