Outcomes of treatment of cat-bite injuries.

Aim The objective of the study was to analyze the results of treatment of hand cat bite wounds in one centre with a hand surgery profile, within one year. Material and methods Fifteen patients, 9 women and 6 men, aged a mean of 43 years, with hand infections caused by cat bites were treated. All patients were admitted to the hospital, and the treatment consisted of a wide incision in the area of infection. The results were evaluated in 13 patients after an average 1.8 years from the start of treatment. Results Most patients did not complain of hand pain at all. Two patients had a slight deficit in finger flexion, and one had incomplete wrist mobility. All patients regained good grip strength, and the dexterity of the hands, and assessment with the qDASH questionnaire revealed almost the same function as that of a healthy hand (mean 8.4 points). One patient developed necrosis of a bitten finger. The most dangerous infections were caused by the Streptococcus pyogenes bacterium. The total treatment time was 2.3 months in average. All wounds were sutured after the inflammation had subsided. In 5 patients, treatment was prolonged due to aseptic inflammation after surgical wounds had healed. Conclusions Cat bites can be the cause of severe infections and serious complications. Early, wide incision of the area showing fear of infection and intravenous antibiotic therapy allow the disease to be controlled, complications are prevented and a good treatment result is achieved.