Cauliflower Ear

Cauliflower ear (complication of hematoma auris, perichondrial hematoma, or traumatic auricular hematoma) is a condition that occurs when the external portion of the ear suffers a blow, blood clot or other collection of fluid under the perichondrium. This separates the cartilage from the overlying perichondrium that supplies its nutrients, causing it to die and resulting in the formation of fibrous tissue in the overlying skin. As a result, the outer ear becomes permanently swollen and deformed, resembling a cauliflower.

The condition is most common among boxers, wrestlers, mixed martial artists and forwards in rugby union.

Headgear (called a "scrum cap" in rugby, or simply "headgear" or earguard in wrestling and other martial arts) that protects the ears is worn in wrestling and rugby, many martial arts, and other contact sports to help prevent this condition. For some athletes, however, a cauliflower ear is considered a badge of courage or experience.

Read more about Cauliflower Ear:  Treatment, History

Famous quotes containing the words cauliflower and/or ear:

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    Mark Twain [Samuel Langhorne Clemens] (1835–1910)

    The eye of man hath not heard, the ear of man hath not seen, man’s hand is not able to taste, his tongue to conceive, nor his heart to report what my dream was!
    William Shakespeare (1564–1616)