Successful Reconstruction of Bone and Soft Tissue Defect Using Artificial Dermal Matrix after Hand Injury due to Dog Bite

Abstract

Here we report a successful treatment of animal bite wound involving the bone. We used an artificial dermal matrix to reconstruct the cortical defect and prevent adhesion of the tendinous structures. A 48-year-old woman visited the emergency department for a painful hand swelling due to a dog bite 2 months earlier. A physical examination revealed a firmly palpable lesion with swelling and tenderness on the dorsal aspect of her hand. Magnetic resonance imaging found lytic changes of the second metacarpal bone with cortical destruction and fluid collection. After debridement of the necrotic tissue, a cortical bone defect with inflammatory changes of the medulla was noted. Following several days of irrigation, an artificial dermal matrix was applied with skin flap coverage to restore the soft tissue and bone defect. Three months later, the patient showed good motion of her hand without any restrictions. We believe artificial dermal matrix can be a good treatment strategy for restoring bone defect and preventing tendon adhesion simultaneously.