Published online by Cambridge University Press: 01 July 2009
To describe a new treatment for perichondritis and haematoma of the pinna. At present, the existing treatment for these conditions is initially medical (which usually fails), followed by surgery (incision, drainage and compression to prevent recurrence) with accompanying medical management. However, the result is often a failure, resulting in partial or complete ‘cauliflower ear’ deformity.
The described treatment involves draining the site of infection and irrigating with streptomycin solution. The cavity is then filled with a solution of streptomycin, hyaluronidase and triamcinolone.
The described treatment avoids the conventional surgical procedure, which is cumbersome for surgeons and harrowingly painful for patients.
The new treatment may be recommended for universal use.