Anthropometry of the external ear in children with cleft lip and palate in comparison to age-matched controls.

Comprehensive anthropometric measures in children with cleft lip (CL) and cleft palate (CP) have suggested that similar qualitative growth disturbances may be present in the auricle. We propose a study to evaluate and better understand auricular development in nonsyndromic children born with CL/CP. Our institution is a tertiary referral center for children with craniofacial anomalies. During a 4-year period, we randomly selected 50 nonsyndromic children, aged 5 to 18 years, with CL or CP. Fifty age-matched control children without craniofacial anomalies were selected as a control group. Anthropometric measurement analysis was conducted to compare auricular length (sa-sba), width (pra-pa), attachment to the cranium (obs-obi), and degree protrusion. Auricular index was also calculated for each group. Using a multivariate analysis of variance, statistical analysis with a P < 0.001 demonstrates group differences when comparing ear length and ear protrusion in nonsyndromic children with CL/CP to age-matched controls. Ear length was greater in the control group, whereas ear protrusion (distance from the mastoid process to helical rim) was found to be decreased in the experimental group. Age and sex did not demonstrate significant differences in ear protrusion or length between the control and experimental groups. In nonsyndromic children with CL/CP, greater sensitivity should be given to the timing of auricular surgery. Comparisons of age-matched auricular measurements suggest that ear development may be altered in children with CL or CP. Further research is needed to investigate anthropological differences between nonsyndromic children with cleft and the normal population.