Primary repair of dog bites to the face: 40 cases

Abstract

The victims were 17 males and 23 females with ages ranging from 2 to 76 years (mean 25). Median delay between the injury and presentation in the emergency department was 60 minutes (range 7 minutes to 5 days). All patients received surgical treatment within 24 hours of admission, 18 being operated on within 6 hours. 31 had primary repairs and 9 patients had reconstructive procedures with local skin flaps or skin grafts. Primary healing was achieved in all but 2 patients, of whom one developed minor wound infection and one had necrosis of a composite graft.These results support the view that, for dog bites to the face, primary repair is the method of choice.

Damage of Facial Soft Tissues as a Result of Being Bitten by a Dog

“…Initial supply of a bitten wound of face seems to be nowadays a standard (3,4,16). It affects the final cosmetic and functional effect extremely important in that part of a body.…”

“…These are the most common injuries inflicted by the Animals (1)(2)(3)(4)(5). In many cases these are small wounds healing without any complications.…”

“…It is estimated that about 44,000 people in the USA and 8500 people in Germany is being bitten in the face area every year (3,5). The most exposed are the following in adults: lips, nose, cheeks, ear and eyelids (3,4,9,10). We are dealing with lacerated wounds, crushed wounds and flap wounds, often including the bitting off.…”

“…The typical proceedings with bitten wounds is to rinse the wound precisely (preferably with the physiological saline or the antiseptic) in the form of the irrigation, and also the precise surgical dressing (4,7,9,16). Most of the authors recommend to supply the bitten face wound and to suture the wound initially (3,4,8,16).…”

“…Most of the authors recommend to supply the bitten face wound and to suture the wound initially (3,4,8,16). It results from the aesthetic and functional grounds.…”