A fairly common disfiguration in close-contact sports such as wrestling, boxing, rugby, judo and jiu-jitsu.

The cartilage of the ear can only obtain blood from the overlying skin. When the ear is damaged (either by the blow itself or the resulting hematoma) the connection between skin and cartilage is disrupted. Deprived of nutrients, the cartilage dies and contracts upon itself creating the puffy, scarred deformity.

Treatment (involving aspiration by needle) should optimally be performed within 24 hours. If this isn't possible, surgical evaluation is recommended within 7 to 10 days.

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