ear, nose, and throat disorders
How To Drain an Auricular Hematoma
Introduction
Auricular hematomas are drained to prevent chronic deformity of the underlying cartilage. Auricular hematomas are caused by direct blunt trauma to the anterior auricle, occurring most commonly in wrestlers, boxers, and rugby players. Trauma can cause a hematoma that separates the auricular perichondrium from the underlying cartilage and interrupts blood vessels that nourish the cartilage. If the perichondrium and its vessels are not reattached to the cartilage, there can be scarring and permanent deformity of the cartilage ( Subperichondrial hematoma (cauliflower ear) ). The goal of treatment is complete evacuation of the subperichondrial hematoma and replacement of the perichondrium back onto the cartilage surface to facilitate re-adhesion and prevent reaccumulation of the hematoma and cartilage malformation. Needle aspiration of an auricular hematoma is no longer recommended due to the high risk of reaccumulation of the hematoma. This procedure focuses only on incision and drainage. 