What is worst cauliflower ear?

Cauliflower ear, also known as perichondrial hematoma, is an injury common in combat sports such as wrestling, boxing, and mixed martial arts. It occurs when the ear is hit hard, causing blood to pool between the skin and cartilage. Over time, the pressure from the accumulating blood can damage the cartilage, leading to the typical cauliflower-like appearance of the ear.

The worst cauliflower ear occurs when the injury goes untreated and the damage to the cartilage is extensive. The affected ear becomes deformed, hardened, and brittle, making it vulnerable to further injury. In extreme cases, the cauliflower ear can interfere with the hearing, as the distorted shape of the ear canal affects the sound transmission.

The worst cauliflower ear can also cause severe pain, swelling, and inflammation, which can lead to complications such as infections, abscesses, and cysts. The treatment for cauliflower ear usually involves draining the accumulated blood, reducing the inflammation, and fixing the damaged cartilage through surgery. However, in severe cases, the surgery may not be effective, and the patient may have to live with the deformity and its consequences.