MICROTIA Meaning and
Definition
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Microtia is a medical condition characterized by an underdeveloped or malformed external ear. It is a congenital anomaly that occurs during fetal development, where the structures responsible for forming the outer ear fail to develop properly. The extent of the malformation can vary, ranging from a mild deformity where the external ear is smaller than usual (referred to as "lobular microtia"), to a complete absence of the ear (known as "anotia").
The condition is quite rare, affecting about 1 in every 6,000 to 12,000 live births. Microtia is typically unilateral, occurring in only one ear, but can rarely be bilateral, impacting both ears. It is more commonly observed in males than females.
The cause of microtia is not fully understood, although genetic and environmental factors are believed to play a role. Some cases may be associated with other congenital conditions, such as hemifacial microsomia or Goldenhar syndrome. In certain instances, microtia may also be attributed to maternal exposure to certain medications or substances during pregnancy.
Treatment for microtia often involves reconstructive surgery to improve the appearance and function of the affected ear. Surgical options may include tissue expansion, rib cartilage grafts, or prosthetic devices. Additional interventions, such as speech therapy or hearing aids, may also be recommended to address potential hearing loss or communication difficulties associated with microtia.
Common Misspellings for MICROTIA
- macrtia
- nicrotia
- kicrotia
- jicrotia
- mucrotia
- mjcrotia
- mkcrotia
- mocrotia
- m9crotia
- m8crotia
- mixrotia
- mivrotia
- mifrotia
- midrotia
- miceotia
- micdotia
- micfotia
- mictotia
- mic5otia
- mic4otia
Etymology of MICROTIA
The word "Microtia" is derived from two Greek roots: "micro" meaning small, and "otia" meaning ear. It is a medical term used to describe a congenital condition characterized by an underdeveloped or abnormally small external ear.
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