Auricular hematoma: Difference between revisions

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== Background ==
==Background==
*Leads to "cauliflower ear"
*Caused by blunt trauma to external ear
*Separation of perichondrium from underlying cartilage tears the adjoining blood vessels
**Associated with contact sports such as boxing, wrestling, etc.
**Subperichondrial blood collection -> increased cartilage growth -> cauliflower ear
*Separation of perichondrium from underlying cartilage tears the adjoining blood vessels<ref name="Roy">Roy S, Smith LP. A novel technique for treating auricular hematomas in mixed martial artists (ultimate fighters). Am J Otolaryngol. 2010 Jan-Feb;31(1):21-4.</ref>
**Usually occurs on anterior surface, since skin is firmly adherent to cartilage (on posterior ear, there is underlying muscle and adipose is it loosely adherent to cartilage)<ref name="Vuyk">Vuyk HD, Bakkers EJ. Absorbable mattress sutures in the management of auricular hematoma. Laryngoscope. 1991 Oct;101(10):1124-6.</ref>
**Recurrent hematomas lead to infection and/or cartilage necrosis and neocartilage formation (i.e. "cauliflower ear")
**Goal of treatment is to prevent "cauliflower ear" deformity
 
[[File:Cauliflower ear by dr vikram yadav.jpg|thumb|Auricular hematoma]]


==Clinical Features==
==Clinical Features==
[[File:Cauliflower ear by dr vikram yadav.jpg|thumb|Auricular hematoma]]
*


==Differential Diagnosis==
==Differential Diagnosis==
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{{Maxillofacial trauma DDX}}
{{Maxillofacial trauma DDX}}


==Diagnosis==
==Diagnostic Evaluation==
*Clinical diagnosis
*Clinical diagnosis


==Treatment==
==Management==
#Evacuate the clot
#Evacuate the clot
#*Use large-bore needle/syringe to aspirate hematoma<ref name="Vuyk" /> '''AND/OR'''
#*Make semi-circle incision inside the inner curvature of the helix or antihelix
#*Make semi-circle incision inside the inner curvature of the helix or antihelix
#*Remove hematoma by gentle suction or curettage
#**Make incisions along natural auricular crease for cosmesis
#Prevent re-bleeding
#**Remove hematoma by gentle suction or curettage
#*Pack the helix w/ petroleum jelly-impregnated gauze
#Prevent re-accumulation of hematoma (goal is to close the dead space between perichondrium and cartilage<ref name="Roy" />). Multiple methods available:
#*Place regular gauze both in front of and behind the ear
#*Compression dressing
#*Circle the head with a compressive wrap
#**Pack the helix w/ petroleum jelly-impregnated gauze
#**Place regular gauze both in front of and behind the ear
#**Circle the head with a compressive wrap
#*Suture
#**Place
#Antibiotics
#Antibiotics
#*Only indicated for immunocompromised patients
#*Only indicated for immunocompromised patients
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*[[Maxillofacial Trauma]]
*[[Maxillofacial Trauma]]


== References ==
==References==
<references/>


[[Category:ENT]]
[[Category:ENT]]

Revision as of 01:08, 10 September 2015

Background

  • Caused by blunt trauma to external ear
    • Associated with contact sports such as boxing, wrestling, etc.
  • Separation of perichondrium from underlying cartilage tears the adjoining blood vessels[1]
    • Usually occurs on anterior surface, since skin is firmly adherent to cartilage (on posterior ear, there is underlying muscle and adipose is it loosely adherent to cartilage)[2]
    • Recurrent hematomas lead to infection and/or cartilage necrosis and neocartilage formation (i.e. "cauliflower ear")
    • Goal of treatment is to prevent "cauliflower ear" deformity
Auricular hematoma

Clinical Features

Differential Diagnosis

Ear Diagnoses

External

Internal

Inner/vestibular

Maxillofacial Trauma

Diagnostic Evaluation

  • Clinical diagnosis

Management

  1. Evacuate the clot
    • Use large-bore needle/syringe to aspirate hematoma[2] AND/OR
    • Make semi-circle incision inside the inner curvature of the helix or antihelix
      • Make incisions along natural auricular crease for cosmesis
      • Remove hematoma by gentle suction or curettage
  2. Prevent re-accumulation of hematoma (goal is to close the dead space between perichondrium and cartilage[1]). Multiple methods available:
    • Compression dressing
      • Pack the helix w/ petroleum jelly-impregnated gauze
      • Place regular gauze both in front of and behind the ear
      • Circle the head with a compressive wrap
    • Suture
      • Place
  3. Antibiotics

Disposition

  • Discharge

See Also

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 Roy S, Smith LP. A novel technique for treating auricular hematomas in mixed martial artists (ultimate fighters). Am J Otolaryngol. 2010 Jan-Feb;31(1):21-4.
  2. 2.0 2.1 Vuyk HD, Bakkers EJ. Absorbable mattress sutures in the management of auricular hematoma. Laryngoscope. 1991 Oct;101(10):1124-6.