Chondrodermatitis Nodularis Chronica Helicis: A Nondeforming Surgical Cure for Painful Nodule of the Ear

Since the description of "painful nodule of the ear," by Foerster,¹ and "chondrodermatitis nodularis chronica helicis," by Winkler,² a multitude of treatments for this disease have been recommended. These include x-ray, radium, cryocautery, galvanocautery, fulguration and curettage, multiple injections of the area with procaine,³ injections with hydrocortisone,⁴ and, almost universally, surgical excision as the treatment of choice. These treatments have in common one or more of the following drawbacks:

1. High incidence of recurrence after treatment

1. Recurrences in 88% (14 of 16) of patients treated by x-ray, radium, CO₂ snow, fulguration, and caustics⁵

2. Recurrences in 18% (15 out of 84) of cases treated by excision, cured with second excision⁵

3. Recurrences in 31% (18 out of 58) cases treated by "wide surgical excision,"³ retreated with second, third, and fourth excision

4. Multiple therapeutic procedures needed

5. Permanent