Clinical Research Directory

Social Perception of Microtia

Rationale: Microtia is a congenital craniofacial condition characterized by the underdevelopment of the external ear. Children with microtia become aware of their deformity at a young age, and this awareness intensifies in school, where they often face social comparison. This can impact both their mental well-being and social standing. In this process, not only their self-image but also others' perceptions play important roles. Given the significant time children spend with peers, it is crucial to investigate how children of similar ages perceive microtia and whether this perception changes after auricular reconstruction. Objective: To examine the social perception of children regarding peers with microtia and auricular reconstruction. Study design: The study is of cross-sectional nature. Study population: The study population consists of primary and secondary school children aged 6 to 18 years old. Intervention: All children will be shown one of the following photos: a child with a normal ear, a child with preoperative microtia, or a child with a postoperative reconstructed ear. Subsequently, all children will evaluate the photo they have seen using 7 questions based on a visual analogue scale (VAS) ranging from a score of 0 to 10. Study endpoints: The study includes several endpoints. It will examine children's perception of peers with a normal ear, microtia, or a reconstructed ear in terms of the following social attributes: athleticism, confidence, friendliness, health, intelligence, popularity and willingness to interact. Additionally, it will explore whether there is a difference in the perception of primary school children and secondary school children regarding the above-mentioned social attributes.

Evaluation of the Auryzon™ EAR 2.0 System in Ear Reconstruction

This study aims to improve surgical outcomes for children and young adults with ear differences severe secondary to congenital conditions (like microtia, a condition where the ear is underdeveloped), trauma (such as dog bites), or surgical resections secondary to skin cancer. The investigators have developed a novel medical device to shape cartilage into pre-determined shapes that, once assembled, assists the surgeon in creating an anatomically accurate cartilaginous ear framework, reduce surgery time, and minimize wire need. Other factors that might affect the quality of surgical outcomes will be examined in clinical trial participants.