Dear Editor,
A previous report indicated that bites by wild boars are rare, but not entirely absent.[1] According to a summary of 34 past injuries by wild boars, 50.0% of them presented superficial wounds, and 38.2% penetrating wounds, with the majority of the wounds occurring in the lower limbs (71.9%).[2] This report details a rare occurrence of open fractures of both first digits following an attack by a wild boar.
A 77-year-old male patient with preexisting hypertension and diabetes mellitus sustained injuries from an encounter with a wild boar while executing a task of extermination. The boar, estimated to weigh approximately 80 kg, initiated an attack on the patient’s lower limbs, resulting in a fall. The patient employed both hands in an attempt to fend off the wild boar, sustaining a bite injury in the process. The boar proceeded to mount the patient’s trunk, continuing to inflict bites on the patient’s ears and limbs. The boar then retreated. The patient was transported to the hospital. On arrival, the patient had clear conscious, with a pulse rate of 113 beats/min, blood pressure of 189/93 mmHg, and respiratory rate of 20 breaths/min. The patient exhibited bite wounds on the left ear, left lumbar region, and three on the right forearm, right thumb and middle finger, three on the left upper arm, left thumb and dorsum of the hand, multiple on the right thigh and lower leg, left thigh, and left lower leg [Figure 1]. A thorough review of the radiological findings revealed that the left first distal phalanx fracture was displaced, while the right first distal phalanx fracture showed no obvious dislocation [Figure 1]. The patient was administered tetanus toxoid, and antibiotics. Under general anesthesia, the wound was thoroughly cleaned, and the left first distal phalanx fracture was fixed with a pin. The postoperative course was uneventful. The pin was removed on the 42nd day, and a tendency toward bony fusion and a residual loss of flexion of the thumb joint was confirmed on the 84th day.
Figure 1.
(a) (upper) Physical visual findings on arrival. The patient exhibited bite wounds on the left ear, left lumbar region, and three on the right forearm, right thumb and middle finger, three on the left upper arm, left thumb and dorsum of the hand, multiple on the right thigh and lower leg, left thigh (5 cm), and left lower leg (3 cm). (b) (lower) Radiological findings of both first digits. The left first distal phalanx fracture is displaced, while the right first distal phalanx fracture shows no obvious dislocation. The arrows show the fracture sites. RU: Right upper extremity, LE: Left ear, LL: Left lower extremity, LU: Left upper extremity
The present case sustained open fractures in both digits of the hand due to lacerations inflicted by a wild boar. The incident occurred subsequent to an altercation in which the patient fell and utilized both hands to repel the boar. Open fractures resulting from boar bites are essentially rare.[3,4] A comprehensive review of the extant literature failed to identify any precedent of bilateral finger fractures resulting from boar bites. Hand open fractures resulting from dog bites have the potential to lead to persistent deep infection, which may include osteomyelitis, nerve laceration, tendon laceration, or tissue loss.[5] With early and appropriate treatment, the present case healed without infection but was left with a sequelae of limited range of motion. This distinctive case contributes to the expanding body of knowledge regarding the etiology of boar injuries.
Declaration of patient consent
The authors certify that they have obtained all appropriate patient consent forms. In the form the patient has given his consent for his images and other clinical information to be reported in the journal. The patient understand that his name and initials will not be published and due efforts will be made to conceal his identity, but anonymity cannot be guaranteed.
Research quality and ethics statement
The authors followed applicable EQUATOR Network (https:// www.equator-network.org/) guidelines, notably the CARE guideline, during the conduct of this report.
Conflicts of interest
There are no conflicts of interest.
Funding Statement
This work was supported in part by a Grant-in-Aid for Special Research in Subsidies for ordinary expenses of private schools from The Promotion and Mutual Aid Corporation for Private Schools of Japan.
REFERENCES
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