Wrestler's ear: pathophysiology and treatment

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Otolaryngology
• Surgical Innovation

Background:

• Auricular hematomas are common in wrestlers, leading to cauliflower ear.
• Current treatments like aspiration and compression have high recurrence rates.
• Recurrent hematomas pose a significant challenge in managing cauliflower ear deformities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a novel surgical approach for auricular hematoma management.
• To address the pathophysiology of recurrent auricular hematomas and cauliflower ear.
• To offer a treatment that allows immediate return to athletic activity.

Main Methods:

• Surgical excision of the newly formed fibroneocartilaginous layer.
• Outpatient procedure performed under local anesthesia.
• Focus on complete removal of the pathological layer to prevent recurrence.

Main Results:

• The proposed treatment effectively manages auricular hematomas.
• Complete excision of the fibroneocartilaginous layer prevents hematoma persistence.
• Patients can immediately resume wrestling competition post-procedure.

Conclusions:

• Total excision of the fibroneocartilaginous layer is a definitive treatment for auricular hematomas.
• This surgical technique offers a solution to recurrent hematomas and cauliflower ear.
• The procedure's outpatient nature and rapid recovery facilitate an immediate return to sports.