Ann Dermatol.  2011 Oct;23(Suppl 2):S261-S263. 10.5021/ad.2011.23.S2.S261.

A Case of Auricular Ossification

• Kim SY
• Hong DK
• Im M
• Lee Y
• Lee JH
• Seo YJ

• KMID: 2156805
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5021/ad.2011.23.S2.S261

Abstract

Ectopic ossification refers to the process of new bone formation in sites that normally do not ossify. The auricle is composed of elastic cartilage, and hence is a pliable structure. Auricular ossification is a rare condition that might be caused by injurious processes, including frostbite, physical trauma, and inflammation as well as processes related to metabolic or endocrine disorders. Here, we report a case of unilateral auricular ossification in a 53-year-old Korean man who had previously rubbed his ear repeatedly with his hand.

Keyword

Auricle; Cartilage; Ossification

MeSH Terms

Cartilage
Ear
Elastic Cartilage
Frostbite
Hand
Humans
Inflammation
Middle Aged
Ossification, Heterotopic
Osteogenesis

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Rigid auricle of the left ear.

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  Fig. 2 Histological section of the Punch biopsy from the left auricle showing transformation of the elastic cartilage into bone structures (H&E, ×200).

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