Complex Wound Closure Following Mysterious and Vicious Animal Attack

Area of Science:

• Trauma Surgery
• Plastic Surgery
• Dermatology

Background:

• Animal attacks present a significant and frequent challenge in emergency medicine and surgery.
• Injuries range from minor stings to severe mauling, potentially causing extensive tissue destruction and long-term complications like infection and loss of function.

Observation:

• This case details a traumatic mauling of a woman by an unidentified animal under suspicious circumstances.
• The patient sustained severe injuries affecting skin, subcutaneous tissues, muscles, and bone.

Findings:

• A multidisciplinary surgical approach involving trauma and plastic surgery was necessary for management.
• Multiple extensive interventions were performed, including the application of a dermal regeneration template (DRT).
• A split-thickness skin graft (STSG) demonstrated excellent graft take, indicating successful tissue regeneration and wound healing.

Implications:

• This case underscores the importance of a coordinated surgical response for complex animal attack injuries.
• The successful use of DRT and STSG offers a promising reconstructive strategy for severe soft tissue defects.
• Further investigation into the circumstances of such attacks may be warranted to prevent future incidents.