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Facial fractures from dog bite injuries
Alexander H Tu1, John A Girotto, Navin Singh
1Division of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Maxillofacial Surgery, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287-0981, USA.
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
|April 20, 2002
Summary
Dog bites can cause facial fractures, especially in children under 16. This study reviewed 16 cases, finding periorbital and nasal bones most affected, highlighting the need for high suspicion in pediatric facial trauma.
Area of Science:
- Trauma Surgery
- Pediatric Maxillofacial Surgery
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Dog bites commonly cause soft-tissue facial injuries.
- Facial fractures are a rare but serious complication of dog bites.
Observation:
- This study reviewed 16 cases (6 new, 10 literature) of dog bite-related facial fractures.
- Eighty-seven percent of patients were children under 16.
- Periorbital and nasal bones were the most frequently fractured sites (69%).
Findings:
- Facial fractures from dog bites are more common in children.
- Associated injuries include lacerations, facial nerve damage, and lacrimal duct damage.
- Severe cases required blood transfusion and reconstructive surgery.
Implications:
- Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for facial fractures in children with dog bite injuries, particularly those involving the orbit, nose, and cheek.
- Early recognition and management are crucial to prevent long-term sequelae.
- This underscores the potential for significant morbidity from seemingly minor dog bite incidents in pediatric patients.