OBJECTIVE: Our goal was to review head and neck human bite injuries for demographic, treatment, and outcome data to identify factors influencing infection. Study design Retrospective chart review of all human bite injuries (adult and pediatric) over 10 years. SETTING: Tertiary referral medical center. RESULTS: We reviewed 40 human bites (average follow-up, 139 days). Young males were the most common victims, altercation was the most common etiology, and auricular avulsion was the most common injury. Six wounds closed primarily became infected (40%) versus no wound infection with delayed closure. Primary wound closure (P <.01), exposed cartilage (P <.07), and less than 48 hours of intravenous antibiotics (P <.06) were associated with postoperative infection (P <.01). CONCLUSION: Human bites to the head and neck, especially those with exposed cartilage, are best treated with at least 48 hours of intravenous antibiotics and delayed surgical closure (>24 hours postinjury) to prevent infection. SIGNIFICANCE: This information enables the clinician who sees these bite wounds infrequently to understand the treatment associated with avoiding infection.
OBJECTIVE: Our goal was to review head and neck human bite injuries for demographic, treatment, and outcome data to identify factors influencing infection. Study design Retrospective chart review of all human bite injuries (adult and pediatric) over 10 years. SETTING: Tertiary referral medical center. RESULTS: We reviewed 40 human bites (average follow-up, 139 days). Young males were the most common victims, altercation was the most common etiology, and auricular avulsion was the most common injury. Six wounds closed primarily became infected (40%) versus no wound infection with delayed closure. Primary wound closure (P <.01), exposed cartilage (P <.07), and less than 48 hours of intravenous antibiotics (P <.06) were associated with postoperative infection (P <.01). CONCLUSION: Human bites to the head and neck, especially those with exposed cartilage, are best treated with at least 48 hours of intravenous antibiotics and delayed surgical closure (>24 hours postinjury) to prevent infection. SIGNIFICANCE: This information enables the clinician who sees these bite wounds infrequently to understand the treatment associated with avoiding infection.