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Traumatic Amputation of Finger From an Alligator Snapping Turtle Bite
Robert D Johnson1, Cynthia L Nielsen1
1University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, The Children's Hospital, Section of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Oklahoma City, OK.
Wilderness & Environmental Medicine
|April 28, 2016
Summary
Alligator snapping turtles can inflict severe injuries. This case report details a near-total finger amputation from a bite, highlighting the need for prompt medical care and antibiotics.
Area of Science:
- Herpetology
- Trauma Surgery
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- The alligator snapping turtle (Macrochelys temminckii), North America's largest freshwater turtle, is known for its powerful bite.
- Anecdotal reports of turtle bite injuries exist, but detailed medical case studies are scarce.
- Reptilian bites, especially in aquatic environments, pose significant infection risks.
Observation:
- A case report involving an adolescent male who sustained a severe hand injury.
- The injury was caused by a bite from a wild alligator snapping turtle.
- The bite resulted in a near-total amputation of the index finger.
Findings:
- The study presents the first documented case of a near-total index finger amputation due to an alligator snapping turtle bite.
- Emphasizes the severity of potential injuries from these large freshwater turtles.
- Underscores the critical need for immediate medical intervention.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of cautious handling of alligator snapping turtles.
- Recommends prompt antibiotic treatment and hand surgery consultation for such injuries.
- Contributes to the limited medical literature on severe reptilian bite trauma.