Separation of part or all of the ear from the rest of the head.
The cause is usually traumatic, although it can be secondary to elective surgery.
When amputation is performed as part of surgery, blood vessels are tied to prevent bleeding before tissue and cartilage are cut away. The most common causes are diseases that cause poor circulation, tumours, deformities, infections and/or gangrene.
If the amputation is due to trauma, there is usually more bleeding and tissue loss. If the limb is torn or avulsed, the bleeding can be massive and surgical repair very difficult. The most common causes are bites, road traffic accidents, industrial accidents and injuries resulting from aggression.
The treatment of choice is surgical and the priority is to save as much tissue as possible and to prevent bleeding and infection. Severe cases can be fatal if not controlled.
In cases of traumatic amputation, direct compression can be used to control bleeding until surgical revision. If the amputated limb and stump are properly cared for, reattachment can be considered in a specialised centre.
