Human Bite Infections of the Hand: Adjunct Treatment
with Hyperbaric Oxygen

William L. Lehman, Jr. MD, Wallace W. Jones, MD, Maria D. Allo, MD, Renner M. Johnston, MD, Peter L.J. McGanity, MD

Infections in Surgery - June 1985

Abstract
Intermittent hyperbaric oxygen was prospectively studied in 16 of 43 patients with human bite wounds to the hand. Patients were hospitalized after culture, exploration, debridement, and cleansing of the wound. A portable hyperbaric unit encompassing the forearm administered 100% oxygen at SOmmHg intermittently for 90 minutes twice daity. Patients were selected to receive the hyperbaric oxygeion an availability basis. Important risk factors included joint and tendon involvement, severity of infection, delay in treatment, and osteomyelitis. Hospital stay was shortened in the severely infected hyperbaric oxygen group.