Primary Repair of Ear Avulsion with Adjuvant Hyperbaric Therapy and Nitroglycerin Ointment

Facial Plast Surg Aesthet Med. 2024 Jul-Aug;26(4):507-509. doi: 10.1089/fpsam.2023.0166. Epub 2024 Feb 1.

Abstract

Traumatic auricular avulsion is a rare and deforming injury. Classically, repair has required microvascular anastomosis. In this publication, we report two separate cases of pediatric auricular avulsion from dog bites. In both cases, the ear was cleaned and surgically reattached. Adjunctive therapies included hyperbaric oxygen and nitroglycerin ointment. There was complete graft take for one patient and 90% graft take for the second, both achieving satisfactory aesthetic outcome. These unique cases highlight the benefits of surgical reattachment of the avulsed portion of the ear followed by hyperbaric oxygen therapy and nitroglycerin ointment.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bites and Stings* / therapy
  • Child
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Dogs
  • Ear, External / injuries
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hyperbaric Oxygenation* / methods
  • Male
  • Nitroglycerin* / administration & dosage
  • Nitroglycerin* / therapeutic use
  • Ointments*
  • Vasodilator Agents / administration & dosage
  • Vasodilator Agents / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Nitroglycerin
  • Ointments
  • Vasodilator Agents