Surgery of the ear Flashcards
What does the auricular cartilage form?
Majority of the pinna and all of vertical ear canal
What are the important ear landmarks?
Helix, antihelix, tragus, antitragus, tragic notches
What is the function of the scutiform cartilage?
Attaches the auricular cartilage to the head medially
What is the blood supply to the ear?
Great auricular artery
Label the landmarks of the ear
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What is an aural haematoma?
Collection of blood within the cartilage plate of the ear from damage to branches of the great auricular artery
What is the cause of an aural haematoma?
Unknown but possibly from physical injury to the pinnae
Headshaking and ear scratching predispose
Aural inflammation, parasites, allergy and FB are predisposing factors
What results if an aural haematoma isn’t treated?
Haematoma -> seroma -> fibrosis -> contraction deformity
What are the treatment aims of aural haematoma?
Address underlying source of infection
Evacuate the haematoma
Prevent recurrence
What is the process of conservative management of an aural haematoma?
Needle aspiration, pressure bandage and/or continuous drainage through a canula/penrose/closed suction drain for 2-3 weeks
How is an aural haematoma managed surgically?
Incise concave surface of pinnae
Evacuate the haematoma
Place sutures parallel to major vessels without tension through cartilage and one/both skin surfaces
Don’t suture incision leave open for drainage
Apply a light bandage for several days
What are the potential complications of aural haematomas?
Recurrence
Cauliflour ear
Abscessation leading to pinnae amputation
What is a pinnectomy?
Amputation of the pinna
What are the indications for a pinnectomy?
Solar injury, cold injury, neoplasia, trauma, vasculitis, permanent marking, recurrent (poly)chondritis in cats
How do feline and canine pinnectomies differ?
In dogs need to ligate vessels before going through cartilage
How is a pinnectomy performed?
Excise with 1cm margins if neoplastic
Close by primary apposition of skin edges over the amputated cartilage
What are the clinical signs of middle ear disease?
Facial nerve (VII) paralysis, Horner’s syndrome, head shaking, rubbing/scratching of affected ear, tilting/rotating of head to affected side