3.07 Split Earlobes

agk’s Library of Common Simple Emergencies

Presentation

A patient will present with an earlobe split by a sudden pull on an earring.

What to do:

• Excise the skin edges on both sides of the wound, leaving the apical epithelium intact. Suture these freshened wound edges together using a fine monofilament material.
• If the patient wants to maintain a pierced ear lobe, tie a loop of sterile suture material through the hole to maintain a tract while the rest of the lobe heals.
• Provide tetanus prophylaxis if needed.

What not to do:

• Do not suture the wound primarily. The edges may epithelialize, resulting in the split redeveloping after the sutures are removed.

Discussion

There are many techniques for the repair of split earlobes. Some methods, including this one, attempt to preserve the earring hole while others use a Z-plasty on the free margins of the lobes to prevent notching at the points of reunion. Depending on the specific circumstances, it may be advisable to consult with a plastic surgeon before attempting to repair this type of earlobe injury.

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from Buttaravoli & Stair: COMMON SIMPLE EMERGENCIES ©
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