Osteomyelitis is a bone infection caused by bacteria or other germs. Human bites are seemingly innocuous, but if neglected, may lead to subsequent infection and morbidity. Bite wounds on the hands, upper limbs, nose and ear cartilage tend to pose more complications than those on other parts of the body. Proper wound care, early wound debridement, antibiotic prophylaxis and follow up should be administered to all patients who present with bite injuries. Osteomyelitis is an infection in a bone. Human bite wounds are the third leading cause of bite wounds seen in the emergency departments. Infections can also begin in the bone itself if an injury exposes the bone to germs.Smokers and people with chronic health conditions, such as diabetes or kidney failure, are more at risk of developing osteomyelitis.
You’re more likely to get an infection following a bite if you: The risk of infection depends on the type of wound and its location, the general medical condition of the patient and the time that elapses between when the injury occurred and when it is treated.There can be complications if you don’t get to the ER quickly enough because the infection can spread over time. Can a human bite kill you? Clinical manifestations of human bite infections include tenderness, erythema, swelling, purulent drainage, lymphangitis, and fever. For example, a closed fist bite can cause damage to the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint, sometimes leading to arthritis. The presentation and surgical management of this unusual condition is described. The WBC count was 7.8 109/l, and C-reactive protein (CRP) was 0.59mg/dL. On physical examination (PE), the patient was not sick-looking and had a 19x11cm area of swelling and tenderness over the right foot, a 6x4cm erythema over the lateral dorsal aspect of the foot; and a central bite wound with necrotic borders and no discharge. Though rare, human bites to the distal extremities should be suspected and assessed for underlying osteomyelitis using MRI to guide appropriate length of antibiotic treatment.Human bite wounds are the third leading cause of bite wounds seen in the emergency departments (ED). Amoxicillin-clavulanate administered in one study for a variety of full-skin thickness animal bites in patients presenting >9 hours after the bite resulted in a lower infection rate [144].
Check wounds frequently for signs of infection.Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Post-exposure prophylaxis is not recommended as the risk for HIV transmission through saliva is very low All patients with human bite wounds, regardless of the appearance of the wound, should undergo antibiotic prophylaxis. You’ll need to follow up with your doctor in 24 to 72 hours, and even quicker if you begin noticing any signs of infection. The absence of fever or laboratory evidence of serious bacterial infection in our patient is due to non-hematogenous, contiguous nature of spread of infection. 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44195 | Occlusion bites occur with similar frequency in males and females when there is sufficient force to break the tissue. The range of motion in the lateral 3 toes and ankle were limited. This is because of the extensive bacterial flora of the human mouth and skin. Typical case is a 4-6 week history of malaise, regional pain at an open wound in an adult (contiguous spread) Clenched-fist injuries primarily occur among males when a closed fist strikes another individualâs teeth creating an injury over the dorsal surface of the third, fourth and fifth metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints. Complications from a human bite can be very serious, including severe infection and permanently damaged bones, joints and/or tendons. Although, the true frequency is difficult to estimate as most human bites are presumably unreported.A 13 year old previously healthy Male developed severe pain, redness and swelling with oozing from the wound, 2 days after sustaining a human bite to the right foot. If you have access to a syringe, you should use it to wash the wound, as the pressure will help reduce the level of bacteria. The ascertainment of the patientâs tetanus immunization status is necessary with administration of tetanus toxoid and/or tetanus immune globulin when required. Human bites occur most frequently on weekends and have a higher incidence in the spring. Even a seemingly minor injury can damage the underlying joints, tendons or bones, or lead to a serious infection.
Osteomyelitis due to animal bite is well known. Reducing your risk of infection will also help your risk of developing osteomyelitis.In general, take precautions to avoid cuts, scrapes and animal scratches or bites, which give germs easy access to your body.
The signs of infection include redness, swelling, clear or purulent discharge, pain, fever and malaise. 3rd most frequent type of mammalian bite in the US.