The following features are indicative of Microtia:
pinna (external ear) is underdeveloped
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Common Causes of Microtia
The following are the most common causes of Microtia:
mutation in the HOXA2 gene
taking Accutane (isotretinoin) during pregnancy
Risk Factors for Microtia
The following factors may increase the likelihood of Microtia:
maternal diabetes
low carbohydrates and folic acid maternal diet
Prevention of Microtia
Yes, it may be possible to prevent Microtia. Prevention may be possible by doing the following:
intake carbohydrates diet
consume folic acid-rich diet
avoid alcohol during pregnancy
avoid tobacco
Occurrence of Microtia
Number of Cases
The following are the number of Microtia cases seen each year worldwide:
Widely occurring between 500K - 1 Million cases
Common Age Group
Microtia most commonly occurs in the following age group:
At birth
Common Gender
Microtia can occur in any gender.
Lab Tests and Procedures for Diagnosis of Microtia
The following lab tests and procedures are used to detect Microtia:
BAER test (Brainstem Auditory Response Test): To determine the hearing problem
CT scan (Computed tomography): To provide a picture of the ear.
Complications of Microtia if untreated
It is not know if Microtia causes complications if left untreated.
Procedures for Treatment of Microtia
The following procedures are used to treat Microtia:
Rib cartilage graft reconstruction: To sculpture the patient's own rib cartilage into the form of its ear
Ear reconstruction using a polyethylene plastic implant: It allows the individual's tissue to grow into the material and the it's own tissue flap, to construct a new ear
Ear prosthesis: These are skin coloured silicone attachments, attached using with titanium screws or adhesive into the skull