A rare case report of metacarpal osteomyelitis following a domestic cat bite.

ABSTRACT: Animal bites, particularly from domestic cats, represent a significant public health concern, accounting for a substantial number of emergency room visits annually. However, osteomyelitis of the metacarpal bone following a cat bite is a rare and underreported complication which presents unique diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. A 35-year-old male patient developed metacarpal osteomyelitis following a housecat bite, despite receiving early empirical antibiotic therapy. Unlike conventional osteomyelitis, cat bite-related osteomyelitis can progress insidiously due to rapid wound closure, creating an anaerobic environment that fosters deep-seated infection. This case underscores the importance of early radiological evaluation, aggressive surgical debridement, and prolonged targeted antibio

SUBMITTER: Demir MA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12456365 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature