4-10. LACERATION OF THE EXTERNAL EAR
a. Description. There are two types of ear lacerations: simple and complex.
Simple ear lacerations involve a tear in the skin. Complex ear lacerations involve a tear
in the ear cartilage also.
b. Treatment. Reconstructing an external ear laceration must be done very
carefully in order not to cause a physical deformity. For both simple and complex ear
lacerations, apply a pressure dressing to stop the bleeding. Bandage the dressing in
place, and evacuate the patient to a medical treatment facility. See figure 4-4, 4-5, and
4-6, for types of ear lacerations and methods of repair at medical treatment facilities.
Figure 4-4. Laceration/repair of the earlobe.
Figure 4-5. Laceration/natural healing of the ear.
Figure 4-6. Laceration/accurate alignment repair of external ear.
MD0582
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