About
- Preventable cause of ear deformity
- Also called Cauliflower ear
Associations
- Repeated blunt trauma to the ear
- Often seen in boxers and wrestlers and rugby players
- High ear piercings
Aetiology
- Haematoma under perichondrium splits cartilage from perichondrium
- Leads to necrosis and deformity
Clinical
- Swelling, and the area may be red or bruised
- May be a visible haematoma which can be drained
Investigations
- None
Management
- Preventable by wearing the right type of protective headgear.
- Prompt treatment can prevent the development of cauliflower ear. But it must be performed before the tissue is compromised by lack of blood flow. Incision and aspiration or needle aspiration of haematoma and firm bandage around head is needed. ENT follow up needed