This site is intended for healthcare professionals

account_circleSign in
Go to /sign-in page

You can view 5 more pages before signing in

Bite injuries (hand)

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

Authoring team

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

Related pages

Create an account to add page annotations

Create a free account

Add information to this page that would be handy to have on hand during a consultation, such as a web address or phone number. This information will always be displayed when you visit this page