A study of primary closure of human bite injuries to the face.
OBJECTIVE
This study evaluated the management of human bite injuries to the face during the period from May 1995 to April 1996.


METHODS
Data on 30 patients presenting with human bite injuries during this period were collected on specially designed forms. The information was pooled and analyzed. A standardized surgical treatment consisting of thorough debridement of the wound followed by primary closure either by direct suturing, a local flap, or skin grafting on the day of presentation was used. Most of the cases were treated under local anesthesia. Patients were prescribed tetanus prophylaxis and a course of antibiotics for 1 week. Suture removal was done 1 week postoperatively except for the skin grafts, which were uncovered at 10 days postoperation.


RESULTS
There were 21 males and 9 females ranging in age between 17 and 55 years, with a mean age of 31.8 years. Sixty-six percent of the bites involved the lips. The duration of injury before presentation ranged from 1 to 4 days. In 27 of the cases (90%), wound healing was complete at the time of suture removal.


CONCLUSIONS
The results indicate that immediate closure of human bite injuries is safe, even with old injuries.
Donkor
P
P
School of Medical Sciences, University of Science and Technology, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana.
Bankas
D O
DO
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001734:Bites, Human / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D005151:Facial Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008795:Metronidazole / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008875:Middle Aged; D010406:Penicillins / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013997:Time Factors; D014946:Wound Infection / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D010406:Penicillins; D008795:Metronidazole