Cauliflower Ear: Causes and Treatment introduction Auricular hematomas are a frequent complication of blunt force trauma to the external ear, often seen in contact sports such as wrestling, boxing, and martial arts.
Cauliflower Ear: Causes and Treatment introduction Auricular hematomas are a frequent complication of blunt force trauma to the external ear, often seen in contact sports such as wrestling, boxing, and martial arts. Sports medicine practitioners are likely to encounter auricular hematomas and should be comfortable with acute, subacute and chronic management. The external ear is susceptible to external trauma because of its prominent location on the side of the head.
The adult ear is made up of a complex convoluted cartilage framework with tightly adherent overlying skin. The portions of the ear can be broken up into three main parts: helix/antihelix, concha, and lobule (Fig. The anterior surface of the ear is susceptible to trauma, because it typically bears the brunt of applied impacts and because its skin is tightly adherent to the underlying perichondrium, due to the lack of subcutaneous fat.
The blood supply to the external ear is derived from two interconnected systems via branches of the external carotid artery. The majority of blood supply is from the posterior auricular artery (PAA), which supplies the entire postauricular surface and the concha through perforators of the PAA. The anterior surface is supplied by the superficial temporal artery (STA), which gives a branch to the triangular fossa–scapha region via a sub branch of the superficial temporal artery The pathophysiology through which auricular hematomas result in cauliflower ear is twofold.
First, there is a disruption of the blood supply to the underlying cartilage, which results in cartilage infection and death. Second, there is cartilage loss and necrosis with formation of new cartilage and fibrous tissue. Although there are various treatments that can prevent these complications and restore the auricle to its original form, delay in treatment can result in a conspicuous ‘‘cauliflower ear’’ deformity.
This “cauliflower ear” deformity is cosmetically undesirable and can be very difficult to correct, often requiring multistage procedures and multiple revisions. Untreated AH can also develop superinfection and/or an abscess requiring more emergent attention. Thus, early and effective drainage of an AH is critical.
If you are experiencing symptoms that may be related to auricular hematoma, it is important to see a sports medicine physician. Early evaluation and treatment typically lead to better outcomes. Do not ignore pain or symptoms that are limiting your activity.
*This article is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.*
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