Human Bite Injury In North East England – The Impact Of Alcohol Intake On A Mode Of Violent Assault. Issue 1 (1st March 2006)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Eardley, WGP; Harrison, M H; Coady, MSE
• Is Part Of: Journal of the Royal Army Medical Corps. Volume 152:Issue 1(2006)
• Page Start: 22
• Page End: 25
• Publication Date: 2006-03-01
• DOI: 10.1136/jramc-152-01-05
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0035-8665

Abstract

Abstract : Ninety-two retrospective cases of human bite injury referred to a Plastic Surgery department are presented. Particular emphasis is placed on the relationship of alcohol intake to these injuries, their distribution and subsequent management. A review of the literature is conducted. The human bite is a leisure time injury of the young single male in the North East. It has been shown that there is a clear link to alcohol and in particular weekend drinking. Prompt operative intervention and wounds located at the head and neck have been shown to be associated with a decreased risk of subsequent infection, which reflects findings in the earlier literature. Fifteen cases were infected. One was the result of a postoperative complication. The remainder were infected on admission. The majority of infected cases were upper limb bites and were associated with a delayed presentation.