Ear projection is an important goal to be achieved after stage two (ear elevation) in cases of microtia. This is a retrospective study conducted on patients with microtia who underwent staged reconstruction for the same. This study has been carried out over a period of 10 years with 211 patients. Dental impression compound was used as a splint after ear elevation and split skin grafting to maintain the projection of the ear. Projection of the ear was measured both pre- and post-procedure and at every follow-up using goniometer and photographic documentation was simultaneously done. Statistical analysis was performed using t-test. Patients were reviewed every month and splint was continued until 6 months post-surgery. The splint was very effective in maintaining the ear projection of more than 20(°) even after prolonged follow-up of upto 2 years. There were no complications associated with the splint application or prolonged use.
Keywords: Ear elevation; microtia; splint.