Rehabilitation of unilateral congenital microtia by implant-retained prosthesis

Microtia is a major congenital anomaly of the external ear. It includes a spectrum of deformities from a grossly normal but small ear to the absence of the entire external ear. These deformities account for three in every 10,000 births, with bilaterally missing ears seen in fewer than 10% of all cases. Extraoral implant-retained ear prosthesis has been proven to be a predictable treatment option for rehabilitation of such congenital anomalies. This paper aims to present principles of maxillofacial implants, review of literature, advantages, disadvantages, and considerations in treatment planning and treatment phases of an implant-supported auricular prosthesis and prospective developments for ear prosthesis are also discussed. Implant supported ear reconstruction provides excellent support, good retention, and esthetically acceptable appearance to the patient.