Shark bites in New Caledonia: A retrospective study of 22 hospitalized cases and surgical management
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Published on: July 5, 2011
Cerise Gosselin1, Claude Maillaud2, François Jourdel3
1Orthopedic and Trauma Surgery, University Hospital of Purpan, Toulouse, France; Orthopedic Surgery Department, Territorial Hospital Center of New Caledonia, Nouméa, New Caledonia.
Objective:
Although rare, shark bites can cause complex injuries requiring specialized management. This study aims to describe the surgical and medical management of shark bite injuries in New Caledonia.
Methods:
A retrospective, descriptive, single-center study including 22 patients hospitalized between 2011 and 2023. Demographic data, attack context, injury types, surgical treatments, infectious complications, and length of hospital stay were analyzed.
Results:
The median age was 33.5 years (IQR 15); 82 % were male. Spearfishing was the most common context (32 %). Injuries predominantly affected limbs, with musculoskeletal damage (82 %), nerve injuries (32 %), vascular injuries (27 %), and fractures (18 %). Infectious complications were rare (9 %), but identified pathogens were polymicrobial and marine-derived. The median hospital stay was 5 days (IQR 6, range 1-50 days).
Conclusion:
Shark bites require rapid, specialized surgical care. Local organization enabled effective management. Empirical antibiotic therapy should cover marine pathogens.
Level Of Evidence:
IV.
