Penetrating injury of parotid gland and external auditory canal: a unique combination.

A unique case is presented of a penetrating injury of the parotid gland and complete transection of the cartilaginous portion of the external auditory canal by a tree branch. A subsequent superficial parotidectomy along with end-to-end anastomosis of the external auditory canal and appropriate antimicrobial therapy was successful. A review of the literature did not reveal any previous similar cases.