Common injury following shearing forces applied the auricle, most commonly seen amongst rugby players and boxers

Pathophysiology

• Following initial trauma, the perichondrial blood vessels tear, resulting in haematoma forming between the auricular cartilage and the overlying perichondrium
• Blood supply to the underlying cartilage can become impaired
• If pinna haematomas are left untreated, due to the disrupted blood supply, avascular necrosis of the pinna can occur
• Subsequent fibrocartilage overgrowth can lead to a structural deformity - ‘cauliflower ear’

Clinical features

Management

• Aspiration, incision and drainage, or pressure dressing