DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT EXPERIENCE OF A CASE OF ACHILLES TENDON RUPTURE CAUSED BY MONKEY BITE AND LITERATURE REVIEW
Keywords:
Monkey bite injury, Achilles tendon rupture, Nerve and vascular injury, Literature review, Case analysisAbstract
Objective: To investigate the clinical characteristics, surgical repair strategies, and post-exposure rabies prophylaxis for multiple injuries to the left lower limb caused by a monkey bite (Achilles tendon rupture combined with nerve and vein rupture), and to improve the understanding of such complex injuries through a literature review. Methods: Clinical data from one patient with ruptures of the Achilles tendon, sural nerve branches, and great saphenous vein in the left lower limb due to a monkey bite were retrospectively analyzed. Relevant literature on monkey bites, Achilles tendon rupture, and infection prevention and control after animal bites was retrieved from databases including CNKI, Wanfang, and PubMed, and summarized alongside the diagnostic and therapeutic experience from this case. Results: The surgical procedures were successful. Postoperative wound dressings remained dry, and no significant redness, swelling, or exudation was observed at the wound site during dressing changes. The skin flap exhibited good blood supply, and the Achilles tendon healed well. No complications such as rabies onset or wound infection occurred. Monkey bites have a high risk of infection. Rabies remains a major concern, but B virus (Cercopithecine herpesvirus) also needs attention. When Achilles tendon rupture occurs together with nerve and vascular injury, microsurgical repair combined with individualized skin flap coverage is particularly important because it may lower infection and amputation rates. Early postoperative functional exercise also supports recovery. Standardized follow-up helps restore Achilles tendon function. Conclusion: Achilles tendon rupture caused by monkey bites is often accompanied by nerve and vascular injury, which makes treatment more difficult because tissue repair must be handled together with infection control. Postoperative rehabilitation should be carried out in a standardized way, with close follow-up to support functional recovery. The literature reviewed here helps clarify diagnosis and treatment strategies for these complex cases.References
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