Cauliflower ear
1149394
221726425
2008-06-25T20:34:05Z
67.214.233.34
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{{DiseaseDisorder infobox |
Name = Cauliflower ear |
ICD10 = {{ICD10|M|95|1|m|95}} |
ICD9 = {{ICD9|738.7}} |
ICDO = |
Image = Cauliflower Ear.jpg|
Caption = Cauliflower Ear as Seen in an Elderly Male |
OMIM = |
OMIM_mult = |
MedlinePlus = |
eMedicineSubj = |
eMedicineTopic = |
DiseasesDB = |
}}
'''Cauliflower ear''' (also '''hematoma auris''' or '''perichondrial hematoma''') is a condition most common among [[amateur wrestling|amateur wrestlers]], [[professional wrestlers]], [[rugby football|rugby players]], [[Mixed martial arts|mixed martial artists]], and [[Boxing|boxers]]. If the [[pinna (anatomy)|external portion of the ear]] suffers a blow, a [[Thrombus|blood clot]] or other fluid may collect under the [[perichondrium]]. This separates the [[cartilage]] from the overlying perichondrium that is its source of nutrients, causing the cartilage to die. This leads to a formation of fibrous tissue in the overlying skin. When this happens, the outer ear becomes permanently swollen and deformed, thus resembling a [[cauliflower]].
Headgear that protects the ears is worn in wrestling and rugby (where it is called a "scrum cap"), many martial arts, and other contact sports to help prevent this condition. For some wrestlers and fighters, however, a cauliflower ear is a badge of honor <ref>{{cite news | author=Preston Williams | title=For Wrestlers a Swelled Sense of Pride | url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/04/AR2008030402360.html | format=HTML | publisher=The Washington Post | pages= PG14 | date=[[2008-03-06]] | accessdate=2008-04-02 }}</ref>.
==Treatment==
When fluid collection in the outer ear occurs, it is important to contact a doctor immediately and have it treated. The doctor will evacuate the fluid and apply a compressing tie to the outer ear to reconnect the perichondrium and the cartilage. The compressing tie must be left in place for some time, generally 10 days, to prevent the fluid from building up again. Another treatment involves the use of [[Medicinal_leech|leeches]] to drain blood, reduce internal pressure, and promote bleeding.
The outer ear is prone to infections, so [[antibiotic]]s are usually prescribed. If the pressure is left alone without medical intervention, the ear can suffer very serious damage. Pressure can build up and eventually [[Perforated eardrum|rupture]] the [[ear drum]]. When this occurs, the ear may further wrinkle, and can become slightly pale; hence the common term "cauliflower ear". Should the ear drum rupture, the only treatment option is to heal the existing wound with stitches. Even with treatment, significant hearing loss may occur. Today, [[cosmetic surgery|cosmetic procedures]] are available which can greatly improve the appearance of the ear, even though internal damage will persist.
==References==
{{reflist}}
==External links==
*[http://longislandwrestling.org/liwa/sportsmedicine/cauliflowerear.htm Wrestler's Cauliflower Ear: Care & Prevention]
*[http://www.medicinenet.com/cauliflower_ear/article.htm Medicinenet.com Cauliflower Ear]
*[http://www.cauliflower-ear.com Cauliflower-Ear.com Cauliflower Ear]
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qYS8B43-xxo YouTube Video On Cauliflower Ear]
*[http://www.cauliflowereartreatment.com Cauliflower Ear Treatment]
{{Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue}}
[[Category:Facial features]]
[[Category:Ear]]
[[Category:Martial arts terms]]
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