Cauliflower Ear - Avita Health System

WHAT IS THIS CONDITION?
Cauliflower Ear (also known as Auricular Hematoma) is a
deformity of the outer ear that is caused by trauma, most
commonly in wrestling, where an athlete’s head is pushed to
the mat causing a shear force. Boxing is another common sport
where Cauliflower Ear is seen and any type of trauma can cause it.
The trauma creates hematomas that form under the skin, which
are small pools of blood that clot and block blood flow. If left
alone, the pools of blood will eventually harden. Without blood
flow, cartilage dies and the outer ear
folds in on itself without the cartilage
support. The result is a bumpy or
lumpy, swollen appearance of
the outer ear, which resembles
cauliflower.
HOW CAN IT BE
PREVENTED?
Most of the occurrences in
athletics can be prevented by
wearing the appropriate head
gear that is already required to
participate in a competition. It is
recommended that the head gear be
worn during practice as well. Athletes
need to make sure that their head
gear is fitted properly, as a
loose fit could result
in the head gear
coming off; a
tight-fit could
result in
the injury
itself. Sometimes Cauliflower Ear cannot be prevented with
such instances of infection or accidents but early treatment can
decrease the chance of deformity.
TREATMENT OPTIONS
Early treatment is best. The sooner the blockage is gone, the
greater chance of reducing the risk of deformity. The goal is to
get all the fluid out from under the skin and get the skin and the
cartilage back together, restoring blood flow to the cartilage.
Needle Aspiration
• This can be done if it is a first time occurrence and the
injury is only a few days old. If you wait too long, the
blood begins to thicken
• A needle may not be able to get rid of the hematoma
completely
• A compression bandage must be worn after aspiration
to prevent more pooling of blood
Incision and Drainage
• A small incision can be made and the blood clots can be
rinsed out using a saline solution
• This is usually done when this injury has occurred more
than once; there may be some scar tissue formation
from the last time it occurred
• Also performed if it has been too long after the injury
occurred. Blood begins to thicken quickly and a needle
may not be able to get all the blood out
• A compression bandage must be worn after incision to
prevent more pooling of blood
Surgical Compression
• These can be put in after drainage is completed
• Surgical compression will be worn for 10-14 days
• These vary in type; they could be silicon or
thermoplastic splints, dental rolls or buttons that gets
sewn in through the affected area of the ear
• Antibiotics are prescribed to reduce the risk of infection
and are usually taken for 7-10 days
RETURN TO PLAY
Follow the direction of your physician. Athletes are usually able to
return quickly, only needing to wait 24 hours after the procedure.
Take special precaution with keeping the drainage site clean to
reduce the chance of infection. Make sure head gear is worn at all
times, including during practice, and fits properly.
CENTER FOR SPORTS HEALTH
www.avitahealth.org
03-11-2014
To schedule an appointment, call 419-562-5281
Centers located in Bucyrus, Crestline, Galion, and Ontario.