Skip to main content
OrthoVellum
Knowledge Hub

Study

  • Topics
  • MCQs
  • ISAWE
  • Operative Surgery
  • Flashcards

Company

  • About Us
  • Editorial Policy
  • Contact
  • FAQ
  • Blog

Legal

  • Terms of Service
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy
  • Medical Disclaimer
  • Copyright & DMCA
  • Refund Policy

Support

  • Help Center
  • Accessibility
  • Report an Issue
OrthoVellum

Ā© 2026 OrthoVellum. For educational purposes only.

Not affiliated with the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons.

General
intermediate
X-Type

Human Bites and Fight Bite Injuries

Hand Infections

A 24-year-old male presents 48 hours after punching another person in the mouth during an altercation. He has a 5mm laceration over the third MCP joint with surrounding erythema, swelling, and purulent discharge. X-ray shows no fracture but reveals soft tissue swelling. The wound was initially cleaned with soap and water at home. Regarding clenched fist injuries (fight bite):

Mark each as TRUE or FALSE

A

Clenched fist injuries (fight bites) occur when the closed fist strikes teeth, creating a wound over...

B

Human bite wounds are polymicrobial; common organisms include Streptococcus viridans group, Staphylo...

C

Fight bites rarely involve deep structures because teeth cannot penetrate tendon; outpatient oral an...

D

Treatment requires surgical exploration and debridement under regional or general anesthesia; examin...

E

Complications include septic arthritis, osteomyelitis, tenosynovitis, and abscess formation; delayed...

Answer the questions to see explanations

Click T (True) or F (False) for each option