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External Ear Chondritis/Abscess, Sports Medicine

Arturo J. Aguilar, MD, CAQSM Reviewed 04/2019
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • Inflammation and infection of the pinna 1

  • Commonly a complication of otic trauma 1, burns, or neighboring infection

  • It may present as a complication of draining a periauricular hematom...

DIAGNOSIS

Typical physical findings in combination with preceding causes 

PHYSICAL EXAM

  • Initially a dull pain that increases in severity

  • Pinna 2:

    • Painful

    • Exquisite tenderness

    • Erythematous

    • Warmth

    • Loss of conto...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

  • General postinjury preventive measures:

    • Prevention of chondritis is of the utmost importance 4[C]:

      • Difficult management and disfiguring potential

      • Avoid pressure to the injured e...

REFERENCES

1
Fisher C, Kacica M, Bennett N. Risk factors for cartilage infections of the ear. Am J Prev Med.  2005;29(3):204–209.
2
Thill M, Horoi M, Ostermann K, et al. Acute external ear lesions: ...

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • Monitor for signs of external ear chondritis/abscess after draining a periauricular hematoma.

  • Symptoms include painful, erythematous, warm pinna.

  • Most commonly implicated bacteria are Ps...

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