The standard treatment of a pinna haematoma involves drainage and compression to prevent recurrence and subsequent disfigurement. Compressive methods can be non-invasive or invasive, utilising a head bandage or through and through sutures, respectively, to keep compression in place. Leonard buttons are effective alternative compressive devices. They are simple to use and easily available.

Endochondral pseudocyst of the auricle is an uncommon condition that affects predominantly Chinese males, with many reports studying this condition in homogenous Chinese populations. There have been few large-scale reports describing the features of this disease among the other Asian groups. In one of the largest series described to date, we report the epidemiological features, clinico-pathologic characteristics, and success of surgical treatment in 40 patients of different Asian groups presenting with pseudocyst of the auricle. Results showed a Chinese predominance (90 per cent), followed by Malays (five per cent) and Eurasians (five per cent). All had unilateral presentations apart from one patient. Most (55 per cent) presented within two weeks of auricular swelling. Few (10 per cent) had a history of trauma. The pseudocysts predominantly affected the concha (61 per cent). Surgery comprised excision of the anterior wall followed by local pressure application. Only 2.5 per cent had recurrence after surgery. These findings confirm earlier understood features of this disease while revealing some notable variations.

Prominent ears are the most frequent congenital deformity in the head and neck region. Anatomy of normal and prominent ears as well as the psychological aspects of prominent ears are reviewed. Two types of surgical technique are described with emphasis on the cartilage-sparing technique.

A sound pre-operative analysis, focusing on all partsof the deformity, and surgical techniques which are gradually applied to these deformities should result in pleasing, permanent changes for the vast majority of patients. In our opinion, a combination of cartilage-sparing techniques augmented with cartilage-weakeningprocedures give predictable long-term results with a natural appearing ear and concomitant few, easily treated complications.

The correction of prominent ears requires a logical approach to address each of the anatomical defects present while bearing in mind the overall shape of the ear. The two most common problems encountered are the lack of an antihelix and a deep conchal bowl.

We describe a method of reducing the depth of the conchal bowl which avoids some of the problems previously encountered such as occlusion of the external auditory meatus and visible irregularity on the external surface of the pinna. Resection of the inferomedial part of the conchal bowl and thinning of the ponticulus allow realignment of the ear and prevent prominence of the antitragus. The ear is then secured with concha-mastoid sutures and the scapha-conchal angle can then be corrected to form an antihelix if necessary.

Pseudocyst of the auricle is a condition where spontaneous serous fluid collection is seen on the lateral surface of the pinna. The aetiology of this condition is not known. Several methods of treatment have been advocated in the past. We report 10 cases of unilateral pseudocyst who were treated with aspiration and pressure dressing by a plaster of Paris cast over the pinna for two weeks.

Pseudocyst is a rare, often misdiagnosed condition affecting the pinna. A case of bilateral pseudocyst is reported and the recent literature discussed with respect to aetiology and treatment.

In our histological examination on 42 ears (auricles) which were taken from 18 fetus and three adults, the intracartilaginous fibrous tissue with blood vessels and lymphatics were found in 12 ears and interruption of the auricular cartilage in 22 ears. The intracartilaginous connective tissue with blood vessels and lymphatics were linked together with the connective tissue outside the auricular cartilage in other sections. These findings support the hypothesis of congenital embryonic dysplasia as the origin of the formation of pseudocyst of the auricle.

Four male patients with pseudocyst of the auricle were successfully treated with oral corticosteroids. This condition is an asymptomatic, non-inflammatory, cystic swelling, usually located in the scaphoid or triangular fossa of the anti-helix which if untreated, leads to deformity of the pinna. All successful methods of treatment described in the literature so far have been invasive. All four patients in the above series responded to oral steroid therapy alone.