Dog-Bite Injuries to the Craniofacial Region: An Epidemiologic and Pattern-of-Injury Review at a Level 1 Trauma Center

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose was to determine the incidence, etiologic factors leading to injury, and demographic composition of patients sustaining dog-bite injuries of the craniofacial region at a regional referral level 1 trauma center. These findings may assist primary and affiliated health care providers, educators, and policy makers in developing and implementing strategies to prevent serious dog-bite injuries, particularly in the individuals most vulnerable-children and elderly persons.

Patients and methods: We performed a retrospective observational and descriptive review of dog bite-related injuries solely managed by the Section of Maxillofacial Surgery at Charleston Area Medical Center in West Virginia. Patient information was derived from an existing database on dog-bite injuries of the craniofacial region, electronic health records, and animal encounter records.

Results: We reviewed 182 patient records distributed among several breed categories. The results showed a disturbing trend toward more severe injuries, especially in younger children, and a reversal in gender, with girls bitten more than boys. Young children incurred more extensive facial injuries, including fractures. The data showed that compared with other dog breeds, pit bull terriers inflicted more complex wounds, were often unprovoked, and went off property to attack. Other top-biting breeds resulting in more unprovoked and complex wounds included German shepherds, Rottweilers, and huskies. Management of facial wounds took place more often in the operating room, especially in younger children, with increased hospital stays. Of the patients, 19 (10.4%) had fractures and 22 (12%) underwent a rabies vaccination protocol.

Conclusions: This study showed a disturbing trend toward more severe dog-bite injuries in young children and a greater incidence of bites in girls than in boys among several biting breeds of dogs. The public health implications of aggressive biting breeds and risks of severe injury in the home environment were discussed.