Maxillofacial bite injuries treatment-20 years experience

Abstract

Management of bite injuries of the face is a part of everyday maxillofacial practice. The aim of the paper was to evaluate the bite injuries in the maxillo-facial region and to recommend treatment protocols. The study was performed as a retrospective analysis of the medical records of University Clinic for maxillo-facial surgery in Belgrade. A total of 408 patients were treated for bite injuries of the maxillofacial region according to the same surgical protocol. Animal bite injuries (92.9%) were much more common than human bites (7.1%). Dog bites (98.9%) were almost exclusive among animal bite injuries. Young males (58.7%), children and adolescents (44%) are predominately involved. The most frequently injured facial structure were lips (49.2%). Human bites presented in young males (86.2%), resulted from physical conflicts (58.6%) mostly affected cheeks (50%). Majority of injuries were Lackmann's Class I and II. There were no reported infections or other complications after treatment with no need for secondary reconstruction. Factors that contribute to a good clinical outcome are: stage of the injury; short time interval from the injury to the admission into the hospital; no infection signs on admission; adequate surgical protocol with antibiotic prophylaxis.