African Nile Crocodile bite of the forearm: A case report

Abstract

African Nile crocodiles are the only species of crocodile consistently found across central and sub-Saharan Africa. A large and specifically aggressive species of the African Nile crocodile is solely responsible for almost all unprovoked attacks on humans, the exact incidence of which is unknown. The reported mortality rate of an African Nile crocodile attack is between 65-91% with up to 70% of surviving individuals with a bite of a limb ultimately requiring amputation. We describe an adult male patient whom, during the course of performing his daily duties, slipped on a riverbank and fell into the water where he was immediately seized on the left forearm by an African Nile crocodile. Through fighting back the African Nile crocodile released its hold and he was able to survive the attack and reach our unit. Despite relatively benign looking wounds the initial surgical exploration revealed the true extent of the underlying muscle damage and within hours a flexor compartment syndrome developed needing surgical  management. Through serial operating room visits and directed antibiotic therapy we were able to successfully treat the patient resulting in a favorable outcome.

Key words: African Nile crocodile bite, Crocodile bite of the extremity, Nile crocodile bites in Africa