In cases where the cartilage has hardened and the scar tissue has settled in, the surgeon must reconstruct the ear cartilage, particularly when the cartilage has died. People can usually resume contact sports 12 weeks after the operation. This typically takes place under local anesthetic and requires the patient to wear a headband for a few days following the surgery. If it is completed within 30 days of the initial clot and formation, it involves cutting out the newly formed scar tissue and stitching the wound up. After that occurs, the condition requires surgery to restore the ear.Ĭorrective surgery is called otoplasty. The fluid that builds up hardens within 7 to 10 days, causing the cartilage to thicken and harden. If a cauliflower ear is not treated quickly, there is potential for it to become permanent. Because this is a new form of treatment, no long-term studies as to its effectiveness are available. The authors also noted that a hole in the in-ear mold would aid hearing. A case study in the British Journal of Sports Medicine described this treatment as being successful after a player with a newly developed cauliflower ear wore these molds for 10 days. Those participating in sports can wear these molds under their headgear in order to reduce the risk of further injury. Together, they apply compression to the injury. One mold fits in the ear, just like a traditional hearing aid, and another fits behind the ear. For most, however, this method is likely to be fine.Īn alternative to the traditional compression bandage involves silicone molds. This may not be practical for those who play sport professionally, as they must keep the drain clean to avoid infection. In cases where simple draining is not sufficient, a surgeon may suture a temporary drain onto the ear. People should rest from training and other situations where blunt-force trauma is likely to reoccur. Compression also keeps the skin close to the cartilage so that it does not rip out additional blood vessels. The injury requires constant compression to stop it from filling up with fluid again. This fluid may contain the blood clots, preventing further blockages. The fluid is usually drained using a wide-bore needle in a process called aspiration. Rapid removal of fluid by a medical professional reduces the likelihood of clots forming. Ice packs to the ear for approximately 15-minute stretches several times per day may help to reduce swelling. Initial treatment can prevent a cauliflower ear from forming. Of particular concern is the bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa, according to a study published in the Brazilian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology. Such infections can cause the cartilage to separate, resulting in further complications. Because these piercings penetrate the ear and can be hard to keep clean, the risk of infection increases. Other risk factors include piercings to the upper ear in particular. These accidents may include cycling accidents in which someone is not wearing a helmet, and vehicle accidents. In addition, fights can also result in similar injuries, as can accidents where the side of the head is injured. These impacts may be from a fist, a shoulder, or repeated contact with the ground (such as during a wrestling match). Often, a cauliflower ear is the result of repeated impacts to the side of the head. These sports include martial arts, boxing, rugby, and wrestling. The ear then folds over because it lacks the support supplied by the cartilage.Īny sport that can involve blunt-force trauma raises the risk of a cauliflower ear. In others, the cartilage may die as it is starved of essential nutrients. In both cases, tissue damage can be relatively minor, resulting in scar tissue. In many cases, these complications will be minor, but in some, they can lead to more serious issues. Up to 35 percent of piercings result in complications. However, the condition can also occur due to an ear infection, particularly those caused by piercings in the upper portion of the ear. Sometimes, the injury pulls the cartilage away from the skin. The trauma leads to a series of small blood clots that block blood flow, leading to tissue damage. Image credit: Newaza Apparel, October 2013Ĭauliflower ear typically occurs when blunt trauma affects the ear. Share on Pinterest Repeated trauma to the ear from high-impact sports may raise the risk of cauliflower ear.
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