Arch Plast Surg.  2017 Sep;44(5):444-448. 10.5999/aps.2017.44.5.444.

Acute Osteomyelitis in the Hand Due to Dog Bite Injury: A Report of 3 Cases

• Lee R
• Lee HY
• Kim JH
• Han YS
• Kim DC
• Tark KC

• KMID: 2392319
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5999/aps.2017.44.5.444

Abstract

As many people keep small dogs as pets, dog bites are common injuries, accounting for approximately 80%-90% of all animal bite injuries. These injuries usually occur on the upper extremities, most commonly on the fingers. Most of these injuries appear as simple lacerations or abrasions of the skin. Common symptoms include inflammatory reactions of the soft tissue, such as pain, swelling, erythema, and cellulitis. However, the complications of small dog bites may include joint or cartilage injuries, including acute osteomyelitis. Once osteomyelitis develops, it is difficult to diagnose since it has a latency period of approximately 2 weeks. Plain radiography, magnetic resonance imaging, and 3-phase bone scans should be performed when acute osteomyelitis is suspected, and broad-spectrum empiric antibiotic treatment should be administered for approximately 8-12 weeks. We report 3 very rare cases of acute osteomyelitis that occurred after a dog bite injury.

Keyword

Osteomyelitis; Magnetic resonance imaging; Bites

MeSH Terms

Animals
Cartilage
Cellulitis
Dogs*
Erythema
Fingers
Hand*
Joints
Lacerations
Latency Period (Psychology)
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Osteomyelitis*
Radiography
Skin
Upper Extremity