Microtia

Microtia is a congenital condition in which the ear does not develop properly. (The word microtia means “small ear.”) Microtia occurs about once in every 6,000 to 12,000 births, with a higher frequency among Hispanics, Asians, Native Americans, and Andeans.

The cause of microtia is not well understood, particularly the role of environmental and genetic factors. Genetics are thought to be a cause in only 5% of all patients. Multiple theories have been proposed to explain the cause of microtia during fetal development, such as neural crest cells disturbance, vascular disruption, and altitude, but these have not been proven.group of children

It is important to understand that nothing a mother does during pregnancy, such as drinking coffee, alcohol use, or even drug abuse, has been shown to cause microtia. However, when taken in the first trimester of pregnancy, some medications like Thalidomide and Accutane have been linked to the condition.

Microtia usually occurs on only one side (more commonly on the right ear), but approximately 10% of patients have microtia on both sides (Bilateral Microtia).

Microtia is often seen as an isolated condition, but it may also occur with other syndromes including Hemifacial Microsomia, Goldenhar Syndrome, or Treacher Collins Syndrome. Other syndromes with microtia can also affect the kidneys, the heart, the eyes, the craniofacial bones, and the skeletal system. Children with these abnormalities are often cared for by a Craniofacial Team.