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Primary Surgery Vol.2 – Trauma : Lesser face injuries : Injuries of the ear and the nose

61.4 Injuries of the ear and the nose

An injured ear has some special problems: (1) It curves in three dimensions and is difficult to repair. (2) Its lacerations are usually jagged and skin or cartilage may be missing. (3) It has an unfortunate tendency to form haematomas which may become organized as a ’cauliflower ear’. (5) Exposed cartilage readily becomes infected causing major deformity. (6) Secondary reconstruction is unsatisfactory and is likely to be impossible, so do what you can when you first see an injured ear. Fortunately, the ear has a good blood supply, so flaps with even a short pedicle will live.

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