Repair of facial dog bite wound utilizing cryopreserved umbilical cord allograft.

Background: In the United States, craniofacial injuries are the most frequently observed traumas in the pediatric population. Human birth tissue products contain growth factors, cytokines, and signaling molecules that can be potentially harnessed for tissue regeneration and wound healing.

Purpose: A cryopreserved ultra-thick amniotic membrane (AM) allograft wound dressing was used in a patient with significant facial soft tissue loss due to a dog bite injury.

Methods: This is a single case report of a pediatric patient. After obtaining IRB exemption, operative and postoperative clinic notes were reviewed.

Results: A 10-year-old female presented to the emergency department after suffering a dog bite to her left cheek and upper lip, resulting in tissue loss. A cryopreserved ultra-thick AM allograft was used to cover the area of tissue loss as part of surgical reconstruction. The patient was followed up at 1 week, 3 weeks, 4 months, and 1 year after the graft was placed, and rapid healing and full epithelialization were achieved in addition to scar contracture due to wound location.

Conclusion: In the setting of acute trauma and tissue loss, human birth tissue was found to promote epithelialization and regenerative healing of facial tissues.