A rare case report of metacarpal osteomyelitis following a domestic cat bite
Muhammed Ali Demir1
, Burak Kuşçu2, Mustafa Kınaş2, Kaan Gürbüz3
1Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Kayseri City Hospital, Kayseri, Türkiye
2Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Bandırma Royal Hospital, Balıkesir, Türkiye
3Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Huma International Hospital, Kayseri, Türkiye
Keywords: Antibiotic therapy, cat bite, metacarpal, osteomyelitis, rare complication, surgical management.
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 antibiotic therapy in managing such infections. In conclusion, the report highlights the need for heightened clinical suspicion and tailored management strategies to prevent delayed diagnosis and complications in similar cases.
Citation: Demir MA, Kuşçu B, Kınaş M, Gürbüz K. A rare case report of metacarpal osteomyelitis following a domestic cat bite. Jt Dis Relat Surg 2025;36(3):763-771. doi: 10.52312/jdrs.2025.2152.