Shark Bite
Abstract
Young adult male surfing in murky water receive a bite from a tiger shark amputating his lower leg and foot.
Keywords
Shark msk plain films trauma
Publication Date: 2007-06-22
History
Young adult male surfing in murky water receive a bite from a tiger shark amputating his lower leg and foot.
Findings
Amputation of the leg just above the ankle is seen.
Diagnosis
Shark bite
Discussion
Shark bites are uncommon with fewer than 100 documented around the world annually. A tiger shark is one of the more common sharks involved. Frequently the victim is splashing or in murky water resulting in the shark confusing the human with a sea turtle, ray or other usual prey. It is best to avoid the surf near the mouth of rivers after it has been raining.
Below is the lower leg of another shark victim showing the marked soft tissue injury that can occur.
