Complex Pinna Lacerations and their Management

Context: External ear trauma is common and may range from simple abrasion to complete amputations. The auricle is an exposed part of the head which can be easily damaged by road traffic accidents. Early treatment in such patients may prevent cosmetic disfigurement and multiple sittings for secondary repair. Aims: The aim was to study the presentation and management of patients with cartilage-involving untidy complex lacerations of the pinna. This article mainly focuses on the management of such traumatic ear wounds. Settings and Design: A retrospective study was done in a tertiary care hospital from January 2019 to January 2020. Subjects and Methods: All patients with cartilage-involving complex lacerations of the pinna were included in the study. Results: All patients had a successful recovery. The pinna wounds have a higher success rate even after primary repair despite the wound often being contaminated. Conclusions: Primary repair of the pinna is a straightforward and reliable treatment method as it can survive even with a narrow pedicle (superiorly or inferiorly based) due to its rich dual vascular network. Cosmesis being the realm of plastic surgeons, the majority of such cases can be managed with primary wound closure by otolaryngologists and physicians without causing much inconvenience, delay, and higher cost to the patient.