bite injuries (hand)
Last reviewed 11/2023
Most frequently, bite injuries to the hand are the result of a punch by the injured party to the teeth of an opponent. Skin, tendon and the capsule of the dorsum of the metacarpophalangeal joint may be breached.
Organisms involved include:
- mixed growth - 65%
- Staphylococcus - 26%
- Streptococcus - 9%
- Eikenella corodense, an anaerobic Gram-negative rod
Serious injuries, they require rapid treatment:
- radiography of hand to exclude foreign bodies: all foreign bodies should be removed
- broad spectrum antibiotics, particularly against anaerobes, until cultures are available
- wound excision and irrigation
- repair of damaged structures e.g. tendons
- delayed primary closure if extensive or late presentation