The “POP-IT” ear deformity: early recognition and non-surgical management of a novel neonatal auricular deformation

BACKGROUND: Congenital auricular deformities are common in newborns, yet many remain underdiagnosed despite the availability of effective early non-surgical correction. We describe a previously unreported auricular deformation, termed the "POP-IT" ear deformity, and present our early clinical experience with non-invasive management METHODS: A retrospective case series of neonates diagnosed with the POP-IT ear deformity and treated with auricular molding between 2024 and 2025 was conducted.Demographic data, deformity characteristics, treatment timing, duration, outcomes, and follow-up were analyzed. RESULTS: Seven neonates (6 males, 1 female) were included. The mean age at treatment initiation was 12.0 ± 0.3 days. The deformity was unilateral in six patientsand bilaterally asymmetrical in one. Five patients had associated auricular deformities. The mean gestational age was 38.6 ± 0.2 weeks . Desired correction was achievedwithin a mean of 7.0 ± 0.3 days, followed by continued molding for maintenance, with a total treatment duration averaging 4.0 ± 0.3 weeks. No complications were observed.Mean follow-up was 18.5 ± 5 months, with stable aesthetic outcomes in all patients CONCLUSIONS: The POP-IT ear deformity represents a distinct neonatal auricular deformation that can be effectively corrected using early non-surgical molding. Prompt recognition and intervention lead to rapid correction and durable outcomes, potentially obviating the need for future surgical treatment.