Maxillofacial injuries due to animal bites

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Infectious Diseases
• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Background:

• Animal bites represent a significant public health concern, frequently inflicted by domestic animals like dogs and cats.
• Bite wounds can manifest as punctures, abrasions, tears, or avulsions, often involving crush injuries and devitalized tissue.
• These injuries are complex, characterized by polymicrobial contamination, necessitating tailored treatment based on the animal source and causative organisms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the incidence, bacteriology, and risk factors associated with animal bite wounds.
• To outline evaluation components, recommended treatment strategies, and prevention methods for animal bites.
• To address the complexities and controversies in managing infected animal bite wounds.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature search of the English language medical publications from 1970 to the present was conducted using PubMed.
• The review focused on incidence, bacteriology, risk factors, evaluation, treatment, and prevention of animal bite wounds.
• Key areas of controversy in management were identified and discussed.

Main Results:

• Animal bites, particularly from dogs, cats, and humans, are common and present diverse injury types.
• The bacteriology of bite wounds is polymicrobial, influencing treatment decisions.
• Risk factors for complications and specific evaluation components were identified.

Conclusions:

• Oral and maxillofacial surgeons must be adept at managing facial animal bites, recognizing potential pitfalls.
• The management of animal bites is an area with limited high-quality evidence, relying on case series and expert opinions.
• Key management controversies persist regarding primary wound closure and the use of prophylactic antimicrobials.