Management of Ear Trauma

Amir Nojoumi, DMD, Brian M. Woo, DDS, MD*

KEYWORDS
 Auricle  Hematoma  Helix  Tragus  External auditory canal  Cartilage  Perichondritis
 Avulsion

KEY POINTS
 The ear is prone to varying degrees of trauma given its position in the maxillofacial region.
 Understanding the anatomy of the ear remains paramount when repairing the ear.
 Reconstruction can take place in a staged approach to provide the best esthetic and functional out-
comes.

INTRODUCTION connects to the pharynx by way of the eustachian

tube. The inner ear also contains the cochlea, ves-
Facial trauma remains a common initial presenta- tibule, and semicircular canals.
tion in many emergency departments and urgent The temporal bone (Fig. 2) protects the middle
care facilities. Because of its delicate anatomy ear and is divided into 4 distinct areas: the squa-
and prominent position, the ear remains a com- mous, tympanic, mastoid, and petrous portions.
mon structure that is routinely damaged. External The squamous portion is flat and continues toward
ear injuries include simple and complex lacera- the zygomatic process of the temporal bone. The
tions, hematoma formation, as well as varying mastoid portion contains the mastoid process
avulsive injuries. Health care providers must also and comprises the posterior aspect of the tempo-
assess these patients for middle ear injuries and ral bone. Medial to the mastoid process and lateral
possible temporal bone injuries during the exami- to the styloid process is the stylomastoid foramen,
nation. Once an initial evaluation has been from which the facial nerve (cranial nerve [CN] VII)
completed, treatment and repair of the injuries exits. The tympanic portion, inferior to the squa-
may proceed accordingly. mous region, houses the external auditory meatus.
The petrous portion of the temporal bone lies on
ANATOMY the interior of the temporal bone and encases the
contents of the middle and inner ear. In addition,
The anatomy of the ear can be subdivided into 3
the petrous portion of the temporal bone is the
sections: the external ear, middle ear, and inner
densest bone in the human body. The internal
ear. The outer ear includes the auricle (Fig. 1) and
acoustic canal is located within the petrous portion
the external auditory meatus, which leads into the
of the temporal bone and houses the facial nerve,
external auditory canal (EAC), terminating at the
vestibular cochlear nerve, and labyrinthine artery.
tympanic membrane. The auricle is supported by
The external ear receives its blood supply from
elastic cartilage. Overlying the anterior portion of
branches of the external carotid artery. These
the cartilage is tightly adherent skin and connective
branches include the posterior auricular, superfi-
tissue. The posterior ear consists of thicker skin that
cial temporal, occipital, and maxillary (the deep
is slightly more mobile. The lobule of the outer ear
auricular branch, which supplies the deep aspect
consists of no cartilage. Medial to the tympanic
oralmaxsurgery.theclinics.com

of the EAC and tympanic membrane) arteries.

membrane is the middle ear. This area includes
Several nerves contribute to the innervation of
the tympanic cavity and 3 bony ossicles, the
the ear (Fig. 3). The skin of the auricle is supplied
malleus, incus, and stapes. The middle ear also

Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of California San Francisco – Fresno, Community
Regional Medical Center, 215 North Fresno Street, Ste. 490, Fresno, CA 93701, USA
* Corresponding author.
E-mail address: bwoo@communitymedical.org

Oral Maxillofacial Surg Clin N Am 33 (2021) 305–315

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.coms.2021.04.001
1042-3699/21/Ó 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
306 Nojoumi & Woo

anesthetic infiltration can be sufficient. However,

for more complex repairs, providers should
consider nerve blocks. In the past there was
concern for necrosis of the overlying soft tissues
and cartilage if local anesthesia with epinephrine
was used; however, the literature has not sup-
ported this concern and has shown that local anes-
thesia with epinephrine can be used in acral areas
such as the ear. Studies have shown a measurable
decrease in the arterial inflow immediately following
administration of local anesthetics with epineph-
rine, but overall perfusion of the soft tissue and
cartilage are not affected. The use of epinephrine-
containing local anesthetics maximizes the effec-
tiveness and duration of the anesthetic, provides
hemostasis, and serves to potentially decrease to-
tal operating time.1 Because the ear is innervated
by several nerve branches, a ring block can be
used to provide adequate anesthesia (Fig. 4). The
vasculature is superficial in this area, so providers
should always aspirate before injection. If the su-
perficial temporal artery is accidently punctured,
firm compression should be applied to prevent
the risk of hematoma formation.
After anesthesia is obtained, care should be
taken to adequately clean and irrigate the wound
Fig. 1. Auricle of right ear: 1, helix; 2, tubercle of of any foreign bodies or debris. Simple lacerations
auricle; 3, crura of antihelix; 4, triangular fossa; 5, not involving the cartilage are usually closed via
antihelix; 6, conchal bowl; 7, external acoustic meatus; primary closure (Fig. 5). Occasionally, irregular
8, tragus; 9, intertragal notch; 10, antitragus; 11, skin edges can be trimmed to allow better reap-
lobule of ear.
proximation of the wound edges. Closure can be
by the greater and lesser occipital nerves obtained with either a fine 5-0 nonresorbable or
(branches of the cervical plexus), the auriculotem- resorbable suture. It is recommended to use
poral nerve (branch of the trigeminal nerve), and resorbable sutures when repairing soft tissue in-
branches of the vagus (CN X) and facial nerves juries in children. After closure is obtained, bacitra-
for the deeper aspects of the auricle and external cin ointment is recommended for the first 5 days
auditory meatus. Branches of the glossopharyng- postoperatively to keep the surgical site moist
eal nerve (CN IX) may also contribute to innerva- and prevent eschar formation or infection.
tion of the auricle or skin overlying the mastoid Complex lacerations of the ear almost always
process. involve cartilage exposure (Fig. 6). Motor vehicle
collisions, ballistic injuries, and animal/human bites
SOFT TISSUE INJURIES OF THE EAR are common causes for these injuries. The ear has a
robust vascular supply, as previously mentioned,
The Advanced Trauma Life Support protocol and thus even the smallest areas of attached tissue
should be followed for all patients with trauma, should be reapproximated if feasible. Tacking su-
beginning with the primary survey and resuscita- tures should be placed with caution to avoid
tion. After initial stabilization of the patient’s in- compromising the vascular supply. These sutures
juries, if indicated, a comprehensive maxillofacial can also help with surgical/anatomic orientation
examination can proceed as part of the secondary during reapproximation. When repairing the carti-
survey. If there is a noted otologic injury, it should lage, figure-of-eight sutures should be placed to
not be addressed until a thorough clinical and prevent overlapping of the cartilaginous seg-
radiographic evaluation is completed. Common ments.2 Depending on the amount of edema or if
trauma to the external ear includes abrasions, lac- any trauma is involving the EAC, a Xeroform pack-
erations, auricular hematomas, and partial/total ing or other similar material can be placed into the
avulsions. canal to help prevent stenosis. If there is any
Adequate anesthesia must be obtained before concern for a contaminated wound, prophylactic
attempting any repair. For small lacerations, local antibiotics can be prescribed to prevent
 Management of Ear Trauma 307

Fig. 2. Temporal bone. (From

Waschke J, Paulsen F (eds). Sobotta
Atlas of Human Anatomy. 15th ed,
Elsevier, Urban & Fischer; 2015; with
permission.)

perichondritis. The preferred oral antibiotic remains leaving this injury untreated is classically known
ciprofloxacin because it covers the main cause of as a cauliflower ear. Trauma caused by shearing
perichondritis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa.3 Com- forces to the pinna of the ear disrupts the peri-
mon intravenous antibiotics include Zosyn (pipera- chondrium from the underlying cartilage. The peri-
cillin and tazobactam), select carbapenems, or chondrium is responsible for supplying blood and
fourth-generation cephalosporins. nutrients to the cartilage. A hematoma then forms
Another common injury after trauma to the in the subperichondrial space. If untreated, the he-
external ear is the auricular hematoma. Although matoma can lead to infection, necrosis, or loss of
any form of trauma can lead to an injury of this na- cartilage.4 The resulting hematoma, if not drained,
ture, wrestlers, boxers, and mixed martial artists stimulates new and asymmetric cartilage to form,
are most commonly susceptible. The sequela of resulting in a cauliflower ear. Treatment success

Fig. 3. Sensory innervation of the ear.

(1) Medial surface of the pinna. (2)
Lateral surface of the pinna CN VII
and CN X.
308 Nojoumi & Woo

dead space and allow reattachment of the peri-

chondrium to the cartilage. A Xeroform bolster
(Fig. 7), cotton rolls, magnets, and silicone dress-
ings have all been used in clinical practice with
success.5 Quilting sutures, which pass through
the external skin and the cartilage, can also serve
to reattach the perichondrium. A common disad-
vantage is that several sutures must be placed
for greatest effect. A Glasscock ear dressing can
also be placed to avoid any further trauma.
Repeated trauma and long-standing cauliflower
ear can obstruct the EAC and interfere with hear-
ing.6 In addition, reconstruction of the cauliflower
ear often results in poor outcomes because of
the altered blood supply and exuberant fibrocarti-
lage. Thus, urgent treatment of an auricular hema-
toma is always recommended.
Avulsive injuries range in their severity. Partial
avulsions of the ear, even if attached by a small
pedicle, should have this pedicle preserved and
be repaired because a successful outcome is
possible because of the vascular richness of the
ear. Depending on the extent of the avulsion, the
distal soft tissue edges of the pedicled segment
Fig. 4. Ring block anesthesia of the ear. Two points of might need to be trimmed to bleeding edges to
needle entry as depicted by the green dots; at the su- remove avascular areas likely to necrose. The up-
perior aspect of the helix and inferior aspect of the
per third of the ear is the most prone to avulsive in-
ear lobe. The skin should be prepped before injection.
From the superior point, the needle is advanced,
juries. Although any trauma can lead to avulsive
traversing anterior to the tragus, aspirating along its injuries, animal/human bites often leave the most
path. Local anesthesia is administered while carefully severe esthetic deficits. Reattachment of an intact
drawing the needle back. Without removing the nee- or near-intact partial avulsion of the external ear as
dle, it is then redirected posteriorly following the a free graft is often initially satisfying, but the likeli-
same principles of delivery in the anterior aspect. hood for successful revascularization remains
Next, the inferior aspect of the ring block is extremely low, especially for avulsions greater
completed. Again, the needle should remain in the su- than one-third of the auricle.7 In partial avulsions,
perficial plane while aspirating along its insertion where reattachment is not possible, primary
path. Of note, the superficial temporal artery lies
closure should be obtained of the lacerated tis-
anterior to the tragus, superficial to the zygomatic
process of the temporal bone. Firm pressure needs
sues in preparation for future reconstructive sur-
to be applied in case of accidental puncture to pre- gery (Fig. 8). If there is minimal cartilage
vent hematoma formation. exposed, careful undermining of the adjacent
skin can be done to aid in full-coverage closure.
Total avulsion injuries of the ear are a time-
is determined by timely and appropriate drainage sensitive emergency. First and foremost, if any
of the hematoma. Methods such as needle aspira- attempt is made to reattach the avulsed ear, it
tion or simple incision and drainage have both must be thoroughly cleaned and free of any con-
been successful. An 18-gauge needle is sufficient taminants. Cold saline to irrigate the tissues and
for drainage of a hematoma, ideally placed over a well-vascularized tissue bed are vital. Any devi-
the greatest area of fluctuance. If the patient pre- talized tissue or exposed cartilage should be
sents greater than 6 to 8 hours after the hematoma conservatively excised. The soft tissues should
has formed, the blood may have already started be explored for any suitable vessels for microvas-
coagulating.4 If no blood is able to be aspirated, cular repair. Depending on the mechanism of avul-
the procedure should transition to an incision sion, vessels might not be available to proceed
and drainage. An incision can be made along the with microvascular repair. If feasible, the avulsed
hematoma, large enough to provide adequate ear can be reattached as a composite graft. The
drainage. After the hematoma is evacuated and use of hyperbaric oxygen treatment has been
thorough irrigation has been completed, a referenced in the postoperative care of patients
compressive dressing should be placed to prevent undergoing a composite graft. Although there is
 Management of Ear Trauma 309

Fig. 5. Simple laceration repair. (A) Patient sustained full-thickness laceration from a knife attack confined to the
helix of the ear. (B) There was no disruption of the cartilage, although it was minimally visible because of the full-
thickness nature of the laceration. (C) The injury was irrigated and repaired with 5-0 fast-absorbing gut sutures.
(D) Patient at his 2-week follow-up appointment.

no definitive timeline for treatment, the goal re- principle. The ear undergoes dermabrasion, is
mains to stimulate angiogenesis, reduce free reattached, and then is placed into a pocket within
radical formation, and inhibit venous congestion.8 the posterior auricular space. The ear undergoes
Failure of composite grafts and other reattach- revascularization for approximately 3 to 4 weeks
ment techniques can limit the options for future before being uncovered.12
reconstruction. Microvascular repair of the ear
can recreate the arterial blood supply to the ear, CLINICAL CARE POINTS: SOFT TISSUE
but this method is involves challenges. The first TRAUMA
case of successful repair was documented by
Pennington et al.9 Several considerations were  Comprehensive head and neck evaluation to
also noted that contributed to success of the pro- assess for other missed injuries
cedure. The avulsed ear is to remain cool and the  Thoroughly irrigate soft tissue trauma, pro-
available vessels tagged. Venous grafts were used phylactic antibiotics if warranted (ie, grossly
to prevent tension on the anastomoses. The anas- contaminated wound, animal/human bite)
tomosis of vein grafts to the artery and concomi-  Limit excision of exposed cartilage or loose
tant vein in the avulsed ear were completed on skin
the surgical bench, followed by arterial revascular-  If hematoma is present, place a bolster after
ization first.10 Postoperative venous congestion drainage to prevent cauliflower ear deformity
remains a common reason for failure because
finding suitable veins is challenging. Systemic anti-
COMPLEX RECONSTRUCTION OPTIONS
coagulation and/or leech therapy can help avoid
complications of venous congestion.11 Another Numerous options are available for reconstruc-
principle used for total ear avulsions is the pocket tion of auricular injuries. Treatment depends on

Fig. 6. Complex ear laceration. (A) A 6-year-old boy with macerated full-thickness laceration through the ear
from dog bite. (B) Laceration involving helix, antihelix, cartilage. (C) Sutures to orient position of cartilage
and soft tissues. (D) Reapproximation of cartilage with 5-0 Monocryl sutures in figure-of-eight fashion. (E) Super-
ficial skin closure with resorbable 5-0 fast-absorbing gut sutures.
310 Nojoumi & Woo

nasal septum, or rib. However, cartilage has no

vascular supply to support a full-thickness skin
graft (FTSG) or splint-thickness skin graft
(STSG); therefore, if there is lack of healthy skin
to cover the cartilage grafts, a temporoparietal
fascia flap or other soft tissue flap must be raised
to cover the cartilage grafts as part of the recon-
struction. The temporal fascia is thin, richly
vascular (superficial temporal artery and vein),
and highly flexible.14 An STSG or FTSG can
then cover the temporoparietal fascia flap. Full-
thickness skin grafts help maintain volume,
height, and the complex shape of the ear to pro-
duce the most aesthetic outcome.15 The supra-
clavicular areas, preauricular and postauricular
areas, and inner arm serve as common donor
sites. In the middle third, the posterior auricular
tissues (Fig. 10) can be advanced and placed
over the defect.16 When considering this type of
advancement, surgeons should assess the avail-
ability of the soft tissue and the patient’s existing
hairline. If there is suspicion for inadequate tissue
Fig. 7. Application of Xeroform bolster. Xeroform is quantity, tissue expanders can be placed
placed on the lateral and medial aspects of the ear af- (Fig. 11). Placement of tissue expanders prevents
ter trauma and secured with a monofilament, nonre- transposing part of the patient’s hairline to the
sorbable suture. This method serves to prevent reconstructed part of the ear. Cartilaginous graft-
reaccumulation of blood in the perichondrium of ing might also be necessary to support the soft
the ear. Bolsters stay in place for approximately 3 to tissues. However, this increases treatment time
7 days after treatment. because tissue expanders require a minimum of
4 to 8 weeks to achieve the level of expansion
desired. In the lower third of the ear, there is no
the location of the defect and adjacent anatomy. cartilage. The lobule is composed of soft tissue
In the upper third, full-thickness defects of the and has the ability to be manipulated more than
helix/antihelix, up to 2.5 cm, can be converted other parts of the ear. Lobule defects up to
to a wedge defect, Burow triangle, or star defect 50% can be closed primarily with little esthetic
and closed primarily (Fig. 9).12,13 Significant loss compromise.17
in the upper third of the ear requires a new carti- Pedicle and bipedicle flaps are also options for
laginous framework. Donor cartilage can be har- ear reconstruction. The middle postauricular re-
vested from the conchal bowl, contralateral ear, gion is thinner and not likely to be hair bearing,

Fig. 8. Partial ear avulsion. (A) Patient sustained trauma from a pit-bull attack resulting in avulsion and loss of the
posterior half of the external ear. (B) Remaining soft tissues were without evidence of maceration or necrosis.
Exposed cartilage near the EAC. (C) Given the extent of the trauma, the decision was made to close the skin edges
primarily with plan for delayed reconstruction. (D) Patient at a 1-week follow-up. Minimal eschar to wound. (E)
Patient at her 1-month follow-up. There is no exposed cartilage or evidence of nonhealing wound.
 Management of Ear Trauma 311

postauricular tissue is raised to the subcutaneous

layers, folded inward, and transposed to the
defect. Postoperatively, it remains pedicled to its
base to maintain perfusion. After maturation in
3 weeks, the flap is severed from its superior
pedicle and inset into the native ear, and a few
weeks later the inferior pedicle is severed and
inset.19 Although both preauricular and postauric-
ular tissue can be harvested, less morbidity is seen
with the use of postauricular tissue.
However, circumstances sometimes prevent
any primary or secondary reconstruction of the
ear. Failure of a composite ear reattachment or
microvascular repair leaves the patient without a
viable ear. Similarly, congenital conditions such
as microtia or hemifacial microsomia also result
in a poorly developed or absent ear. Auricular
prosthetics (Fig. 13) provide an option for the pa-
tient to regain a symmetrically esthetic appear-
ance. Synthetic materials can be used to create
a replica mold of the unaffected contralateral
ear.20 The prosthesis can then be anchored to tita-
nium bone implants placed in the temporal bone.
Bone-anchored hearing aids can be integrated
into the prosthetic as well.21 This method elimi-
nates the need for additional cartilage grafting
and lessens the risk of infection, graft failure, or
other possible surgical morbidity.

INJURIES TO ADJACENT STRUCTURES/

Fig. 9. Repair of helical defects. (A) Wedge defect and ANATOMY
repair. (B) Burow triangle defect and repair. (C) Star
defect and repair. Supporting structures of the ear are also suscep-
tible to trauma. Tympanic membrane rupture is a
perforation in the membrane separating the mid-
which allows considerable versatility in recon- dle and external ear. The use of cotton tip appli-
struction options.18 Pedicle rotational flaps allow cators (Q-tips) has been the leading cause of
appropriate coverage of surgical defects (ie, these injuries. Water trauma, assault, and acute
Mohs surgery) or helical reconstruction for injuries otitis media are also causes of tympanic mem-
caused by trauma (Fig. 12). Bipedicle reconstruc- brane rupture.22 Management of these injuries is
tion, such as the tube flap, is also reliable. Here the usually supportive and, in some cases, short-

Fig. 10. Postauricular tissue advance-

ment. The postauricular soft issue
can provide many formulations for
coverage of auricular defects. (A, B)
Common examples of how a postaur-
icular pedicle flap can be raised to
address defects of the middle ear.
312 Nojoumi & Woo

Fig. 11. Three-stage reconstruction of

ear. Stage I, 0 months. Stage II, 3 months.
Stage III, 4 months. (A) Patient with full-
thickness avulsion of tissue after motor
vehicle collision. (B) Tissue expander
placed postauricular to defect to allow
for adequate soft tissue. (C) Tissue
expander removed. (D) Soft tissue flap
raised superiorly and rotated to superior
aspect of helix. (E) Flap adapted to supe-
rior helix and folded on itself to recreate
the anterior and posterior surfaces. (F)
Five days postoperatively. No evidence
of wound breakdown or necrosis. (G)
Local tissue rearrangement of the flap.
(H) Closure of the posterior ear and ret-
roauricular tissues. (I) Profile view at
10 days after surgery. (J) Posterior view
at 10 days after surgery. (K) Profile view
4 months after final reconstructive
surgery.

term otic suspension antibiotics drops can be performed in a time frame of no more than
prescribed. If the perforation is large, early surgi- 2 weeks from onset of injury to ensure the best
cal repair might be indicated.23 Blunt head chance of recovery.25 CSF otorrhea is another
trauma also causes most temporal bone frac- complication of temporal bone fractures. Most
tures. Intracranial hemorrhage, facial nerve weak- CSF leaks close spontaneously within a week.
ness or paralysis, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) Nonsurgical recommendations include head of
otorrhea, hearing loss, and vertigo are recognized bed elevation and neutral body positioning. Anti-
symptoms depending on the severity and pattern biotics should be prescribed to prevent meningi-
of the fracture. If there is any form of facial nerve tis. Persistent leaks may require surgical
function, surgical intervention is rarely indicated. intervention,24 which can be done via lumbar
Total paralysis has a more guarded prognosis.24 drain placement or an endoscopic transmastoid
Decompression of the facial nerve should be approach.26
 Management of Ear Trauma 313

Fig. 12. Reconstruction of right ear with bipedicle flap after human bite. (A) Scarring and defect of the lower half
of the helix. (B) Harvest of retroauricular soft tissue to reconstruct the helical defect. (C) Full-thickness dissection
of the remaining helix. (D) Placement of Xeroform dressing to prevent adhering of the bipedicle flap to the post-
auricular soft tissue. (E) Posterior view of bipedicle flap. (F) Takedown of superior portion of bipedicle flap
5 weeks after initial surgery. (G) Appropriate shape and perfusion of the reconstructed helix with inset of superior
portion of bipedicle flap. (H) Excision of the stump of the superior portion of the bipedicle flap from the post-
auricular space and inset of the superior portion of the bipedicle flap into the native helix. (I, J) Closure and
reconstruction using the superior portion of the bipedicle flap from the lateral and posterior view. (K, L) The infe-
rior portion of the bipedicle flap has been divided and inset and contoured to reform the ear lobule. Patient at
10 days after this procedure.

CLINICAL CARE POINTS: EVALUATION OF  Drainage of CSF

TEMPORAL BONE FRACTURE
Many challenges exist when evaluating and treat-
 Paralysis of the facial muscles caused by ing ear trauma. Treating providers should always
facial nerve injury remember to take a thorough history, note preex-
 Hearing loss isting conditions, and evaluate all clinical and
 Dizziness/loss of balance radiographic information present. If there are any
314 Nojoumi & Woo

Fig. 13. Total ear prosthetic. Bilateral ear prosthetic reconstruction because of extensive facial burns. (A) Right
ear implants with custom bar to support prosthesis. (B) Right ear prosthetic. (C) Left ear implants with custom
bar to support prosthesis. (D) Left ear prosthetic. (Courtesy of Aristides Tsikoudakis, DMD, Fresno, CA.)

findings that warrant higher-level care, the appro- 8. Kalus R. Successful bilateral composite ear reat-
priate consulting team should be promptly noti- tachment. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open 2014;
fied. Any delays can drastically alter the available 2(6):e174.
treatment options and leave the patient with semi- 9. Gailey AD, Farquhar D, Clark JM, et al. Auricular
permanent to permanent losses. avulsion injuries and reattachment techniques: a
systematic review. Laryngoscope Investig Otolar-
yngol 2020;5(3):381–9.
DISCLOSURE 10. Pennington DG, Lai MF, Pelly AD. Successful
replantation of a completely avulsed ear by micro-
The authors have nothing to disclose.
vascular anastomosis. Plast Reconstr Surg 1980;
65(6):820–3.
11. Talbia M, Stussi JD, Meley M. Microsurgical replan-
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