Clinical Study of Chondritis in the Burned Ear

Yoo, Seung Hoon; Park, Moon Suh; Oh, Jae Kook; Kim, Han Sung; Lee, Dong Hoon

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The chondritis of the auricle is a relatively common and severe complication of ear burns and frequently leads to the destruction of unburned cartilage, thus destroying the shape of the ear. The purpose of this study is to document the clinical nature of the injury, the results of various methods of treatment and to recommend the management protocol for chondritis of the burned ear.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A retrospective study of 69 patients who suffered the chondritis of the burned ear were carried out. These patients had been admitted to the Burn center at the Hangang Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University from January, 1993 through December, 1998.
RESULTS
1) The most common causative agent was flame burns (91.3%). 2) A mean interval of onset was 29.36 days. 3) Pseudomonas aeruginosa was noted on 68.5% of the cultures taken. 4) The sensitivity studics showed that Cefoperazone is the most sensitive antibiotics to P. aeruginosa. 5) The methods of treatment were dressing with cerettage (36%), incision and drainage with antibiotics soaking (22%), chondrectomy (35%), and chondrectomy with through and through drain (7%). 6) The final results of treatment were affected by the initial degree of burn.
CONCLUSION
The most important preventive measures were strict avoidance of pressure on the injured ear and effective topical chemotherapy to control microbial proliferation. Early detection and early surgical intervention of chondritis were essential to limit progression of infection and necrosis, and to minimize the deformity of the auricle.