Auricular ossificans (ectopic ossification of the auricle).

The petrified auricle is an unusual clinical entity in which the ear becomes partially or totally rigid, which may result from local trauma, inflammation, or systemic diseases. This process is most commonly secondary to ectopic calcification, but rarely ossification is responsible. Severe hypothermia (frostbite) is the most common cause of auricular ossificans. Only 9 cases of histologically proven ossification of the ear have been reported in the English-language literature. Because of its rarity, there is a paucity of articles addressing its treatment. We report a case of unilateral auricular ossificans believed to be secondary to cold injury. Ectopic ossification was detected on both radiologic and histologic examination. The previously reported cases are reviewed and possible causative factors are discussed.