Perichondritis of the ear.

A total of five ears with perichondritis secondary to burns was treated using a method of excising cartilage. This treatment resulted in the need for general anesthesia, frequent repeat debridement and frequent loss of structure of the ear with subsequent deformity. The presentation, etiology, pathology and present modes of therapy are presented. Our experience stresses the importance of early recognition and treatment and further consideration for the use of drains with continuous antibiotic and proteolytic enzyme administration.