Management of maxillofacial injuries after bear mauling: A case report from Nepal

Abstract

The bear attack is not uncommon in Nepal but is rarely reported. The maxillofacial region is most commonly involved during bear mauling resulting in cutting, penetrating, and crushing types of injuries. These wounds are contaminated by a variety of pathogens, could result in local infection, and might cause severe disfigurement that requires extensive reconstructions. Thorough clinical and radiographic examination is essential so as to address soft tissue and bone injuries if present and to prevent any hidden injuries. All bite wounds are considered contaminated for which antibiotic prophylaxis along with tetanus and rabies prophylaxis should be administered. We herein report a case of bear mauling injuries in the maxillofacial region and its treatment with immediate primary wound repair after meticulous wound debridement so as to increase the survival of the victim.

Keywords

• Case report
• Maxillofacial injuries
• Bear attack
• Nepal