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auricular hematoma
Etiology:
- trauma to the external ear
Epidemiology:
- most common among boxers, wrestlers, martial arts participants, & rugby players
Pathology:
- torn perichondrial vessels cause a blood collection within the subperichondrial space, creating a barrier between the auricular cartilage & its perichondrial blood supply
- if the hematoma is not properly drained, recurs, or is left untreated, the reulstant ischemia may lead to cartilage necrosis with fibrocartilage overgrowth & cauliflower ear
Complications:
- cauliflower ear if untreated
Management:
- incision, drainage & compression dressing
- for continued drainage, the incision should be left open
- close with stiches
- daily follow-up for 3-5 days to evaluate for reaccumulation of hematoma or evidence of infection
- needle aspiration may be used for drainage of hematomas smaller than 2 cm, but risk of hematoma reaccumulation is higher than incision, drainage & compression
Related
cauliflower ear
General
ear disease
hematoma
References
- Cassaday K, Vazquez G, Wright JM.
Ear problems and injuries in athletes.
Curr Sports Med Rep. 2014 Jan-Feb;13(1):22-6. Review.
PMID: 24412886
- Greywoode JD, Pribitkin EA, Krein H.
Management of auricular hematoma and the cauliflower ear.
Facial Plast Surg. 2010 Dec;26(6):451-5. Review.
PMID: 21086231
- NEJM Knowledge+ Otolaryngology