My ear cartilage was fractured/split internally. No outer laceration. How long does the swelling subsides?

Question

I think the majority of the swelling is gone now since its been a month but can there still be some swelling or is this as good as it gets usually? I can feel the split, fracture on the inferior crux of the antihelix and there's a bump there that I think is just one side of the cartilage. Can I expect this to go down with time, assuming the car tissue underneath is still swollen to some degree?

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

You know your anatomical terms but how do you know its fractured?  If so, you likely had a hematoma and if that happened, you have a chance of developing a cauliflower ear as you continue to heal.  At this point, if your swelling is resolved, all you can do is wait and see.  If you're still swollen, you can consider seeing a surgeon to see if there is still blood present that can be removed.  Bottom line, you should see an ENT or plastic surgeon for an evaluation.

My ear cartilage was fractured/split internally. No outer laceration. How long does the swelling subsides?

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