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

More general terms

• ear disease
• hematoma

Additional terms

• cauliflower ear