Calf Muscle Herniation Presenting Twelve Month After Dog Bite Injuries: A Case Report

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Traumatology
• Surgical Case Reports

Background:

• Dog bites are a common cause of traumatic injury in the United States.
• Muscle herniation is a rare but documented complication of soft tissue trauma.
• Fascial defects resulting from penetrating injuries can predispose to herniation.

Observation:

• A middle-aged male presented with a palpable lump and pain in the calf.
• The patient reported a history of dog bites to the affected lower extremity 12 months prior.
• Physical examination revealed evidence suggestive of muscle herniation.

Findings:

• The case presents simultaneous herniation of the tibialis anterior and soleus muscles.
• This represents a rare clinical scenario, with no prior reports in existing literature.
• Imaging and/or surgical exploration confirmed the fascial defects and muscle protrusion.

Implications:

• Clinicians should consider remote dog bite history in patients with lower extremity pain and palpable masses.
• Early recognition and diagnosis of muscle herniation are crucial for appropriate management.
• This case expands the known spectrum of complications associated with dog bite injuries.