Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Volume 55, Issue 5 , Pages 479-481, May 1997

A study of primary closure of human bite injuries to the face

  • Peter Donkor, BDS, MSc, MDSc, DDPHRCS(Eng), FRACDS, FWACS (Lecturer, Consultant, Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon)

      Affiliations

    • Corresponding Author InformationAddress correspondence and reprint requests to Dr Donkor: Department of Surgery, School of Medical Sciences, University of Science and Technology, University Post Office, Kumasi, Ghana, West Africa.
    • School of Medical Sciences, University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
    • Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana
    • ,
  • Daniel O Bankas, DDS, MD, PhD (Consultant, Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon)

      Affiliations

    • Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana

Abstract 

This study evaluated the management of human bite injuries to the face during the period from May 1995 to April 1996.

Data on 30 patients presenting with human bite injuries during this period were collected on specially designed forms. The information was pooled and analyzed. A standardized surgical treatment consisting of thorough debridement of the wound followed by primary closure either by direct suturing, a local flap, or skin grafting on the day of presentation was used. Most of the cases were treated under local anesthesia. Patients were prescribed tetanus prophylaxis and a course of antibiotics for 1 week. Suture removal was done 1 week postoperatively except for the skin grafts, which were uncovered at 10 days postoperation.

There were 21 males and 9 females ranging in age between 17 and 55 years, with a mean age of 31.8 years. Sixty-six percent of the bites involved the lips. The duration of injury before presentation ranged from 1 to 4 days. In 27 of the cases (90%), wound healing was complete at the time of suture removal.

The results indicate that immediate closure of human bite injuries is safe, even with old injuries.

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PII: S0278-2391(97)90695-9

Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Volume 55, Issue 5 , Pages 479-481, May 1997

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