Treatment for an acute stable hematoma of the pinna of the ear | MCQs for AIPGMEE

Appropriate treatment for an acute stable hematoma of the pinna of the ear includes which of the following measures? 

A. Ice packs and prophylactic antibiotics
B. Needle aspiration 
C. Incision, drainage, and pressure bandage 
D. Observation alone

Ans. C. Incision, drainage, and pressure bandage

• A subperichondrial hematoma in the pinna of the ear may lead to avascular necrosis of the cartilage with shriveling of the pinna and fibrosis and calcification of the hematoma.

• The result is the deformity known as “cauliflower ear.” Appropriate treatment consists of evacuation of the hematoma by incision and tight packing of the skin and perichondrium onto the cartilage with a pressure dressing.

• Needle aspiration does not affect adequate drainage, Ice packs may be helpful early, but are not sufficient to prevent the deformity; antibiotics are not indicated for this lesion.

• Since the hematoma is subperichondrial, excision of the hematoma would remove the perichondrium and lead to cartilage deformities.