Reconstruction of a Large Upper Eyelid Defect Due to Human Bite with Cutler-Beard Technique

Abstract

Human bite injuries of the eyelid is rare, even more so bites associated with tissue loss or defect. Human bites are particularly known for their propensity to cause infections at the site of the bite injury as well as posing a potential risk for transmission of systemic diseases. We report the case of a 36 year old man that presented to our hospital 5 days after he sustained human bite injury to his right eyelids during a fight with complaints of inability to close the right eye associated with pains and blurring of vision. Examination revealed a large (65%) right upper eyelid defect, severe lagophthalmos and exposure keratopathy. The upper eyelid defect was successfully reconstructed using Cutler-Beard technique. Most reported cases of use of Cutler-Beard technique for reconstruction of large upper eyelid defects in the literature were following tumour excision. This case adds valuable insight into the versatility of this reconstructive approach in atypical and high-infection-risk scenarios of large upper eyelid defect.