Abstract
to evaluate the immediate reconstruction of face and scalp after canine bites in children. we conducted a prospective series of cases treated at the Emergency Unit of the Asa Norte Regional Hospital, Brasília - DF, from January 1999 to December 2014. At the time of patient admission to the emergency, the primary wound closure of the face and scalp bite was performed, regardless of the time or day of the event. The primary treatment of the bites was by means of direct suture, flaps rotation or grafting, depending on the type of wound and surgeon's decision. the study comprised 146 children, with the zygomatic region and scalp being the main sites of head bites. All patients received surgical treatment within the first 24 hours after admission. There were no infectious complications in the cases studied. the findings suggest that the immediate closure of canine bites on the face and scalp in children is safe, even when carried out several hours after injury.
Highlights
Bites are common injuries, usually seen in hospital emergencies, accounting for 0.3% to 1.1% of visits[1]
It is estimated that 36.5% of American households own at least one dog and 30.4% have at least one cat[3]
The objective of this study was to evaluate the immediate reconstruction of face and scalp after canine bite in children
Summary
Usually seen in hospital emergencies, accounting for 0.3% to 1.1% of visits[1]. They represent a public health problem because, in addition to the threat to the physical integrity of people, canine bites can transmit rabies and cause serious infections. This fact has mobilized public opinion, politicians and health professionals to make changes in Brazilian legislation and campaigns to prevent and treat those injuries[1,2]. An estimated 4.5 million bite victims occur annually in the United States[3]. 6000 to 13,000 patients per year require specialized treatment and hospitalization due to canine bites, with an annual average of 19 deaths, ranging from 11 to 33 deaths per year from 1979 to 20054
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
