Facial Dog Bite Injuries of a 19-Month-Old Child: A Case Report

It is estimated that 4.5 million Americans are bitten by dogs each year, and half of those are children. One in five dog bites results in injuries that require some form of medical attention. Children between 5 and 9 years of age are the most affected age group for this type of injury. A 19-month-old boy was admitted to the emergency department of Children's Hospital of Michigan for treatment of injuries due to a dog attack. Injuries were limited to the face of the child. Dental injuries included avulsion of upper lateral incisors, severe luxation of upper central incisors, and fracture of the facial alveolus bone. Surgical management of facial wounds was accomplished through irrigation, debridement and suturing. Dental treatment included extraction of central incisors and suturing soft tissues.