Perichondritis of the ear

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Plastic Surgery
• Burn Management

Background:

• Perichondritis secondary to burns presents a significant challenge in reconstructive surgery.
• Traditional cartilage excision methods for severe perichondritis often result in poor aesthetic and functional outcomes.

Observation:

• Five cases of ear perichondritis following burns were treated with cartilage excision.
• This approach necessitated general anesthesia, repeated debridement, and frequently led to structural loss and deformity of the ear.

Findings:

• The study highlights the detrimental effects of cartilage excision in burn-induced perichondritis.
• Early diagnosis and intervention are critical to prevent severe ear damage and deformity.

Implications:

• The findings underscore the need for alternative or refined treatment strategies for perichondritis.
• Consideration of drains with continuous antibiotic and proteolytic enzyme administration may improve outcomes and reduce deformity.