External Auditory Canal Stenosis After Traumatic Auricular Amputation.
BACKGROUND
The auricles are easily injured or amputated in case of head trauma. Inadequate treatment of the external auditory canal (EAC) after auricular injury is often seen and can lead to significant complications of the EAC.


METHODS
The authors report 4 cases of auricular injury or amputations. In all patients inadequate first treatment led to stenosis of the EAC. Three patients required recanalization of the EAC because of hearing loss and the risk of further complications.


CONCLUSIONS
Treatment of auricular injury should consist of (pre-emptive) packing of the EAC with antibiotic gauzes followed by thorough examination of the EAC to prevent canal stenosis and subsequent complications.
*Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands †Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania.
Justin E R E
JE
Wong Chung
Desderius C
DC
Chussi
Niels
N
van Heerbeek
D000673:Amputation, Traumatic / Q000150:complications*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003251:Constriction, Pathologic / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D054644:Ear Auricle / Q000293:injuries*; D004424:Ear Canal / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D000267:Tissue Adhesions / Q000601:surgery; D055815:Young Adult