Human Bites Over Nose: Management and Reconstruction.

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Emergency Medicine
• Otorhinolaryngology

Background:

• Human bite wounds to the face, particularly the nose, often require reconstructive evaluation.
• Avulsion injuries to the nose from human bites necessitate careful management to prevent cartilage infection.
• Reconstruction of nasal defects can be performed immediately or delayed until wound healing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of delayed reconstructive techniques for nasal human bite injuries.
• To assess patient satisfaction and outcomes following reconstructive surgery for nasal defects.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective review of 20 cases of nasal human bite injuries treated between 2018 and 2020.
• Delayed reconstruction using paramedian forehead flaps with conchal cartilage grafts for significant defects.
• Primary wound closure for suitable cases, with staged flap detachment and thinning over several weeks.

Main Results:

• Nineteen patients underwent successful delayed reconstruction with paramedian forehead flaps; one had primary closure.
• Flap survival rate was 100%, with excellent patient satisfaction reported.
• The technique provided good contour and color match with minimal donor site scarring.

Conclusions:

• Delayed reconstruction is the preferred approach for nasal human bite injuries.
• Paramedian forehead flaps with conchal cartilage grafts offer a reliable and aesthetically pleasing reconstructive option.
• This method ensures good functional and cosmetic results for patients with nasal defects from human bites.