# Congenital Cleft Earlobe: Classification and Surgical Techniques with a Scoping Review of the Literature

## TL;DR

This paper introduces a new classification system and surgical techniques for treating rare congenital cleft earlobes, based on a literature review and a successful case study.

## Contribution

A unified classification system and tailored surgical techniques for congenital cleft earlobes are proposed.

## Key findings

- A simple local flap technique successfully reconstructed a moderate to severe defective-type cleft earlobe.
- Four subtypes of congenital cleft earlobes were identified based on external appearance.
- Various surgical methods can be applied depending on the specific subtype of cleft earlobe.

## Abstract

Background/Objectives: Congenital cleft earlobes are a rare deformity with variable degrees of severity. Because no widely accepted classification or corrective methods exist, we report a case of a 7-year-old boy who presented with a right defective-type cleft earlobe that was successfully reconstructed. We also elucidate the various types of congenital cleft earlobes and corrective methods through a scoping review of the literature. Methods: PubMed searches were performed using the terms ear deformity and cleft earlobe. We analyzed 14 articles to establish a classification system for congenital cleft earlobe and to identify appropriate corrective methods. Results: Our case was successfully reconstructed using a simple local flap technique that can be easily applied to defective-type cleft earlobes of moderate to severe degree. Based on this case and our systematic analysis, we have synthesized existing classification systems and surgical techniques for correcting congenital cleft earlobes according to subtype. Conclusions: We present a unified classification system for congenital cleft earlobes consisting of four subtypes based on external appearance: defective type, simple type, tag with or without hypoplasia, and triple lobe. Various reconstructive techniques—including simple suture, Z-plasty, Y-V advancement, and flap procedures—can be applied according to the specific earlobe subtype.