Is caused by blunt trauma to external ear.
Generally associated with contact sports such as boxing, or wrestling, among others.
This injury can occur when the outer ear is either hit directly or receives repetitive blows.
Usually occurs on anterior surface of the external ear, as separation of perichondrium from underlying cartilage tears the adjoining blood vessels.
Skin is firmly adherent to cartilage on the posterior ear, while underlying muscle and adipose is it loosely adherent to cartilage.
If the blood is not removed, or if this injury happens multiple times, the cartilage in the outer ear can become permanently damaged and disfigured, called the cauliflower ear.
Recurrent hematomas lead to infection and or cartilage necrosis and neocartilage formation, known as cauliflower ear.
The injury is associated with pain and swelling in the outer ear.
Easily diagnosed and no imaging is needed.
The blood needs to be drained from the outer ear to prevent damage to the cartilage, and should be done as soon as possible.
If not drained before one week, it may be too difficult to remove.
Postoperative antibiotics may be prescribed.
Injury prevention is with the use of protective headgear.
Goal of treatment is to prevent such deformity. by draining the hematoma in a timely fashion
Hematoma most commonly collects in the scaphoid fossa and the concha.
The clot is surgically removed and a compression dressing placed to prevent reaccumulation of blood.