Ear trauma - Otic contusion

Very low urgency
--

Injury to the outer ear (skin, soft tissue, cartilage) as a result of the action of an external force or energy.

It is due to a blow caused by a fall, collision, when playing sports, playing, etc.

The symptoms are: pain, inflammation, haematoma and redness. In order to rule out complications, the specialist will perform a physical examination and ask about the mechanism of the trauma.

Treatment is based on pain control and reduction of inflammation with anti-inflammatories and analgesics. If there is an open wound, the wound will be cleaned and stitches will be given if necessary. If the haematoma is significant and deforms the ear, surgical drainage may be necessary.

Bibliographic references
  1. L. Pérez, S. Herrera, J.J. Fraile. Traumatismo de oído. Heridas. Conmoción laberíntica. Fracturas del hueso temporal. Secuelas. Libro virtual de formación en ORL. 2006;(22):1-20.
  2. J. Enríquez, A. M. Caballero, L. Grisel, M. García. Técnica quirúrgica para el tratamiento de un otohematoma gigante. Dermatol Rev Mex 2012;56 (5): 350-353.
  3. J. A. González, J. A. Ochoa, V. M. Ramírez, F. A. López, S. L. Delgado, A. G. Ríos. Pericondritis auricular y deformidad de "oreja en coliflor" secundaria a artículos de uso militar. Reporte de un caso. Rev Sanid Milit Mex. 2007;61(3):192-194.
  4. UpToDate [Internet]. Waltham. 2017. Assessment and management of auricle (ear) lacerations; [citado el 20 de junio de 2017]. Disponible en: http://www.uptodate.com/contents/assessment-and-management-of-auricle-ear-lacerations?source=search_result&search=traumatismo+de+la+oreja&selectedTitle=2~150
Copyright
© TeckelMedical 2026

Symptoms

    Ear pain


    Pain gets worse when ear is moved


    Reddened / swollen ear


    Buzzing in the ears


    Bruising around the injury

Symptoms to watch out for

The bruise doesn't disappear and/or worsens after a week
Pain that doesn't subside with analgesics
Continuous ear bleeding
Hearing loss
Balance loss
Reduction in the level of consciousness

Self-care

Consume over-the-counter pain relievers or anti-inflammatories.
Apply local cold in the area of the lesion 3 times a day to reduce inflammation.