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Acute osteomyelitis of index finger caused by dog bite
Journal of Hand Surgery (Edinburgh, Scotland)
|February 1, 1987
Abstract:
A forty-seven-year-old man was bitten by a dog on his left index finger. Despite initial antibiotic treatment, he developed acute osteomyelitis of the middle phalanx over the next three weeks. Pasteurella multocida and Bacteroides were isolated from the necrotic bone. Subsequently the infection was successfully treated by debridement and Tetracycline.
Insights
Dog bites can lead to severe bone infections like osteomyelitis. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, including antibiotics and surgery, are crucial for managing Pasteurella multocida and Bacteroides infections.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Bacteriology
Background:
- Dog bites are a common cause of soft tissue injury.
- Bacterial infections following animal bites can lead to serious complications.
- Osteomyelitis is a significant orthopedic concern, particularly in cases of penetrating trauma.
Observation:
- A 47-year-old male presented with acute osteomyelitis of the middle phalanx in his left index finger.
- The osteomyelitis developed three weeks after an initial dog bite injury.
- Initial antibiotic treatment proved insufficient to prevent the progression of bone infection.
Findings:
- Cultures from the necrotic bone yielded Pasteurella multocida and Bacteroides species.
- Surgical debridement was performed to remove infected and necrotic bone tissue.
- The patient's infection was successfully treated with a combination of debridement and oral Tetracycline therapy.
Implications:
- This case highlights the potential for aggressive bone infection following dog bites, even with initial antibiotic use.
- Effective management requires prompt surgical intervention (debridement) alongside targeted antimicrobial therapy.
- Understanding the specific pathogens involved (e.g., Pasteurella multocida, Bacteroides) is critical for successful treatment outcomes in bite-related osteomyelitis.