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Auricular hematoma and its subsequent deformity known as cauliflower ear are conditions commonly seen in contact sports participants such as wrestlers, boxers, and rugby players. This phenomenon arises due to blunt trauma to the auricle of the ear, leading to the accumulation of blood between the cartilage and perichondrial soft tissue. If untreated, this disrupts the blood supply, causing necrosis, calcifications, and fibrosis.
Early diagnosis and timely intervention are crucial in preventing the chronic deformity known as cauliflower ear. This table aims to provide a concise summary of the condition, emphasizing key aspects relevant to primary care clinicians.
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Definition | Cauliflower ear or auricular hematoma is a deformity caused by blunt trauma to the ear that leads to blood accumulation between the cartilage and perichondrial soft tissue. |
| Common Causes | Contact sports such as wrestling, boxing, rugby, and martial arts. |
| Symptoms | Red, swollen, warm ear, with associated pain, difficulty hearing, tinnitus, and sometimes vision changes or headache. |
| Diagnosis | Clinical diagnosis, usually not requiring imaging unless more severe cranial pathology is suspected. |
| Time-Sensitive Intervention | Intervention within a 6-hour window post-trauma is ideal for optimal outcomes. Beyond this timeframe, complications including cartilage necrosis and cauliflower ear are more likely to occur. |
| Management... |
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