A STUDY OF THE NORMAL POSITION OF AURICLE IN NEONATES

The term ''low-set ears'' has been in common use for several decades t o describe various malformation syndromes. But an accurate description of the normal position of the auricles is lacking in relevant literat ure. This study was designed to determine the normal position of auric les using bony landmarks that are less variable. The normal position o f the auricle was determined in 1,000 neonates without any obvious con genital anomalies. A fixed bony point (point z) on the upper border of the posterior part of the zygomatic process of the temporal bone oppo site the condyle of the mandible was selected. This point lies in fron t of the auricle and is easily palpable in neonates. The distance betw een point z and the upper and lower attachments of the auricle were me asured as well as the distance between point z and the upper and lower poles of the auricle. The results were compared between the two sexes and between right and left sides. There was a wide variation in the d istances measured in normal neonates. This highlights the importance o f redefining the term ''low-set ears.'' (C) 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.