To explore the clinical characteristics, optimal surgical approaches, and prognostic factors of traumatic external auditory canal stenosis (EACS) specifically in children.
Key Findings:
EACS in children was characterized by unilateral involvement (100%) and primarily associated with prior ear surgeries (86%).
The postoperative recurrence rate was 57% in children, all cases accompanied by restenosis.
In adults, the recurrence rate was 25%, with no cases of postoperative restenosis.
Statistical analysis showed a significantly higher restenosis rate in pediatric patients compared to adults (P = 0.012).
Interpretation:
The study indicates significant differences in the clinical characteristics and surgical outcomes of EACS between children and adults, suggesting that these findings should inform clinical practice.
Limitations:
Small sample size (19 patients total, with only 7 pediatric cases).
Retrospective design may limit the generalizability of findings and introduce biases.
Lack of multicenter data to validate results.
Conclusion:
There are notable disparities in EACS characteristics between children and adults, emphasizing the need for tailored surgical approaches and long-term follow-up in pediatric cases.
