Synonyms in a broader sense
Othaematoma, ring ear, boxer ear, cauliflower ear
Definition
(Ot = ear, hematoma = bruise) An othaematoma is a type of bruise or swelling with accumulation of secretions from the auricle. Often the effusion is a mixture of both. Only the outer ear is ever affected. It is an accumulation of blood or serum between the cartilage and the cartilage skin.
Summary
The othämatoma is a swelling of the auricle. It accumulates blood or serum. Mostly, the othaematoma occurs in wrestlers, as it is preferably caused by direct violence. Treatment is by puncturing the effusion (removal of the effusion with a syringe). If an hematoma remains untreated, a permanent disfigurement of the ear develops, which the expert calls a wrestling ear.
Occurrence in population (epidemiology)
The othaematoma occurs particularly frequently in wrestlers and boxers, even the term wrestling pipe. People who, for example, wear bags pressed against their ears while working also suffer such a change. Simply lying on the folded down auricle can also cause an othaematoma.
- Outer ear
- Eardrum
- Organ of equilibrium
- Auditory nerve (acoustic nerve)
- Tube
- Mastoid process (mastoid)
Causes
The cause of the othaematoma (ring ear) lies in a violent impact, which is tangential (directly striking), shearing (grazing along the auricle). It is a blunt force.
SymptomsComplaints
The othämatoma (ring tube) rarely affects the patient. The swelling is usually painless but clearly visible, resulting in cosmetic limitations. Hearing is usually not impaired.
Complications
Untreated othaematomas develop a connective tissue remnant after a certain time. The bruise is replaced by connective tissue. The affected ears are then permanently disfigured. This appearance is also called “ringing ear”, “box ear” or “cauliflower ear”.
Diagnosis
The othämatoma is usually easily recognized. It manifests itself by a bulging swelling on the front of the auricle. It is a serous fluid effusion between cartilage and its connective tissue capsule.