Surgical correction of Stahl ear using cartilage-cutting and -sparing techniques

Abstract

Stahl ear deformity is a benign congenital malformation of the auricle characterized by an abnormal third crus. While there is no functional hearing deficit related to this deformity, they have been described as “elf like'' or ''satyr like” and can have social anesthetic ramifications. If recognized in the newborn period this deformity can be corrected noninvasively through the use of ear molds. However for those requiring surgical correction there is no standardized technique for repair. We present a case of a unilateral Stahl ear that was corrected using a combination of cartilage-cutting and -sparing techniques.

Keywords

• Stahl ear
• Cartilage-sparing
• Cartilage-cutting
• Otoplasty