Ossification of the auricle.

The auricle is a flexible structure because it is formed by elastic cartilage. In the rare occurrence of ectopic auricular ossification, however, the cartilage is replaced by lamellar bone and becomes petrified. Such unphysiological replacement has been reported in association with local trauma, inflammation, systemic diseases, and hypothermia. Here, we report a patient with unilateral ossification of the auricle secondary to frostbite.