general principles
Last reviewed 01/2018
- the wound should be cleaned and debrided
- tetanus cover should be checked
- broad spectrum antibiotics should be used - Ampicillin 250mg/Flucloxacillin 250mg (Magnapen) qds or - Erythromycin 250mg qds
- anaerobes are often found in bite wounds and so add - Metronidazole 400mg tds
- immobilise for the minimum time possible to prevent long-term loss of function
- elevate to minimise swelling
- if the blood supply has been damaged, check the tissues regularly for viability