Ear Splint Studies
Why its the most effective prevention for Cauliflower Ear
Case presentation: a novel way of treating acute cauliflower ear in a professional rugby player
DJ M Macdonald, N Calder, G Perrett, R G McGuiness
Accepted 7 December 2004
Published online 23 May 2005
“Acute auricular hematoma is a relatively common injury on the rugby field and frequently goes untreated. Simple aspiration is often an inadequate method of managing this problem due to the high rate of re-accumulation. However, we have demonstrated that it can be managed conservatively by aspiration and the application of silicone molds to splint the pinna, especially if the hematoma affects the conchal bowl. In our case, this treatment allowed the athlete to continue playing and gave a satisfactory cosmetic and functional result. A design modification would be to provide a canal through the mold in order to facilitate hearing.”
Management of Auricular Hematoma Using a Thermoplastic Splint
James M. Henderson, MD, DDS; Andrew R. Salama, DDS; Remy H. Blanchaert, Jr, MD, DDS
Accepted for publication March 2, 2000
Published online July 2000
“Treatment goals for the man-agement of auricular hematoma include adequate removal of the hematoma, a simple and effective method of maintaining pressure to prevent reaccumulation of fluid, satisfactory aesthetics, appropriate follow-up, and minimal impact on patient activity.1,7,13,14 In the case reported herein, several things were considered to achieve these goals… it was con- sidered imperative to maintain adequate pressure over a broad area to prevent reaccumulation of the hematoma. Therefore, the use of a rigid and moldable splint was preferred.
The splint used in this case also fulfilled the treatment objectives of cosmesis and function. The splint was able to be trimmed and molded to the internal architecture of the auricle, making it less con- spicuous when viewed anteriorly. Also, the fact that the splint could get wet without deformation or loosening permitted appropriate wound care of the laceration… the splint allowed the patient to continue his daily activities without being con- cerned about dislodging the splint. Splint stabilization has particularly important implications for patients who are engaged in contact sports such as wrestling.
Several methods for the treatment of auricular hematoma and the pre- vention of recurrent hematoma have been documented. We describe an additional technique that uses a ther- moplastic splint to prevent recur- rence of hematoma. This tech- nique provides a rigid splint that molds to the contours of the ear, is easy to apply, allows application of adequate pressure over a broad area, results in adequate cosmesis and function, and permits the mainte- nance of adequate wound care with coexisting auricular injuries.”
Treatment of acute auricular haematoma
S. M. QUINE, D. G. ROBLIN, P. J. CUDDIHY, A. TOMKINSON
The Journal of Laryngology and Otology September 1996, Vol. 110, pp. 862-863
“The cause is usually trauma although it can occur spontaneously. If not quickly evacuated the haematoma may become organized result- ing in the so-called cauliflower ear (Talaat et al, 1985). The accepted treatment of this condition is aspiration or incision and drainage. Although this is always immediately effective, reaccumulation requiring repeated drainage is often necessary. This problem is not only inconvenient for the patient but adds to the risk of infection and long-term deformity. The basic cause is failure to maintain adequate pressure over the haematoma space whilst healing occurs (Cochran, 1980). We have developed a simple and effective method of splinting the pinna following the drainage of an auricular haematoma. This method utilizes silicone putty which can be moulded to the exact contours of the ear and then sets like a cast around it. Our method is well tolerated by patients, prevents recurrence, and limits the need for a cumbersome head dressing.
We recommend this method as a simple and reliable solution to what is a relatively common problem.”
Silicone ear splints in the management of acute haematoma auris
B. J. G. BINGHAM, M.B., CH.B. , F.R.C.S. and E. B. CHEVRETTON, B.SC , M.B.B.S.,F.R.C.S. (Bath)
The Journal of Laryngology and Otology September 1987. Vol. 101. pp. 889-891
“The method is simple and reliable. It uses a material readily available in any ENT out- patient clinic. The nature of the material allows it to be moulded in a semi-solid state and then once it has hardened to be capable of preventing reformation of haematoma. At a later date the splint can be used in conjunction with head protection to prevent further injury. Fourteen patients have been treated successfully in our hospital with this method. All have had a good cosmetic result… We believe that, as this technique gives good results when performed in an out- patient clinic, then there is no need for recourse to more invasive and complicated methods.”
Simple compressive method for treatment of auricular haematoma using dental silicone material
Y H CHOUNG, DDS, MD, K PARK, MD, P H CHOUNG DDS*, J H OH, MD
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology January 2005, Vol. 119, pp. 27–31
“Most of the previous treatment methods for auricular haematoma are inconvenient for both patients and doctors because they are time-consuming and complex and must be performed under sterile conditions.The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a simple compressive method using a dental (silicone) impression material and comparing it with other methods for treatment of auricular haematomas. The authors aspirated a haematoma and then placed a mixed base and catalyst of silicone putty material on the anterior and posterior surfaces of the auricle in the shape of an inverted U for seven days. From the 24 cases managed with this method, 23 cases (95.8 per cent) were successfully healed.
Conclusion: The authors believe that this technique using impression material is appropriate for the treatment of auricular haematoma. It showed excellent cosmetic results and is simple and convenient for both patients and doctors.”
