• Francis P Henry, Elizabeth M Purcell, and Patricia A Eadie.
• Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Hand Surgery, St James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland. fhenry@rcsi.ie
• Emerg Med J. 2007 Jul 1; 24 (7): 455-8.

BackgroundHuman bite injuries are both deceptive and challenging in their presentation and management. They remain a frequent presentation to our unit, most often following late night alcohol fuelled aggression.AimsTo audit the management of these wounds, with particular focus on infective complications and outcomes.MethodsA three year retrospective chart review was undertaken on all patients referred to the plastic surgery unit from 1 January 2003 through to 31 December 2005.ResultsA total of 92 patients with 96 human bite wounds were identified. The majority were male (92%). Alcohol consumption was documented in 86% of cases. The majority (70%) occurred over the weekend or on a public holiday. Facial injuries made up 70% of injuries with the remainder being to the upper limb. The ear was the most common target of all facial injuries (65%). Infection was documented in 18 cases (20%), with bite injuries to the upper limb and those presenting late (>12 h) having a higher incidence of infection.ConclusionsHuman bite wounds present a challenge to any emergency department, given the many issues involved in their management. Underestimation of the complexity and potential sequelae of these wounds will result in a suboptimal outcome for the patient.

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