Question

A 24-year-old mixed martial arts practitioner presents after an injury during a match which has resulted in a fluctuant, mildly tender edematous lesion of the anterior-superior outer portion of the right pinna. Which of the following is the most appropriate treatment?

A. Refer to otolaryngology for definitive treatment with I & D and pressure dressing
B. Perform I & D only if the pinna becomes erythematous and extremely tender
C. Prescribe a 10-day course of amoxicillin/clavulanate (augmentin) and schedule a follow-up appointment in 2 weeks
D. Apply a soft bulky dressing to the pinna and recommend no further treatment, but have the patient follow-up only if he develops a temperature greater than 101 degrees

Answer 1

The treatment for a fluctuant, mildly tender edematous lesion of the anterior-superior outer portion of the right pinna, likely an auricular hematoma, is to refer to otolaryngology for I & D and a pressure dressing. The correct option is A.

Step-by-step explanation:

The 24-year-old mixed martial arts practitioner with a fluctuant, mildly tender edematous lesion of the anterior-superior outer portion of the right pinna is most likely experiencing a case of auricular hematoma, a condition common in athletes involved in contact sports.

Given the description, the most appropriate treatment mentioned would be Option A: Refer to otolaryngology for definitive treatment with I & D and pressure dressing.

Incision and drainage (I & D) are frequently required to evacuate the hematoma, followed by the application of a pressure dressing to prevent reaccumulation.

Early and appropriate intervention can help prevent complications such as 'cauliflower ear,' which may result from inadequate treatment of an auricular hematoma. Option A. is the correct one.