Cauliflower ear among Finnish high‐level male wrestlers and judokas is prevalent and symptomatic deformity. (16th August 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Manninen, Iida‐Kaisa; Blomgren, Karin; Elokiuru, Rauno; Lehto, Mika; Mäkinen, Laura K; Klockars, Tuomas
• Is Part Of: Scandinavian journal of medicine & science in sports. Volume 29:Number 12(2019)
• Page Start: 1952
• Page End: 1956
• Publication Date: 2019-08-16
• Subjects: ear deformity -- judo -- sport injury -- wrestler's ear -- wrestling; Sports medicine -- Periodicals; Sports -- Physiological aspects -- Periodicals; Sports -- Periodicals; 617.1027
• DOI: 10.1111/sms.13530
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0905-7188

Abstract

Abstract : Our research aimed to study the prevalence, concerns, and treatment practices related to cauliflower ear among Finnish wrestlers and judokas. In total, 32 Finnish wrestlers and 31 judokas completed a questionnaire at training sessions or at a competition. All participants were adults competing at the national or international levels. We also took lateral digital photographs of participants' ears. A senior author graded the overall appearance of the auricles on a scale from 0 to 5 (0 = normal auricle, 5 = extreme cauliflower ear). Cauliflower ear was more prevalent among male athletes (84%, 46/55) than female athletes (0%, 0/8, P < .001). Almost all (96%) had sought treatment for an auricular hematoma. The most prevalent treatment modality was needle aspiration (96%). Most (76%) had received treatment from individuals not representing the healthcare profession. Only one athlete reported receiving successful treatment. No complications from treatment were reported. Almost all participants (96%) reported some symptom from the cauliflower ear, typically pain. None regretted their cauliflower ear(s), and 41% of athletes with cauliflower ear considered it desirable. Cauliflower ear is a common and symptomatic deformity among high‐level Finnish wrestlers and judokas. Despite the symptoms, it is accepted and sometimes even desired among the athletes.