Surgery as a Last Resort for Persistent Auricular Perichondritis

Abstract

Auricular perichondritis is a severe bacterial inflammation of the cartilaginous part of the external ear sparing the lobule and the tragus. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are necessary to avoid necrosis of the underlying cartilage and permanent auricular deformity. Management includes antibiotics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Surgery to control the inflammation is sometimes necessary. Wide cartilage and subcutaneous tissue debridement with preservation of the helical rim to minimize the resulting auricular deformity is necessary.