Abstract

Objectives: Some patients attempt to conceal human bites with factitious mechanisms of injury. Follow up questioning allows patients to modify their histories. This practice was prospectively audited.

Methods: Patients with cutaneous wounds who did not present with a history of human bite were asked a follow up question. Those who then gave a history of human bite were noted.

Results: Certain groups of patients with human bites were significantly more likely to provide a factitious history and/or delay presentation.

Conclusion: Follow up questioning dramatically increased the case-detection rate, prompting specific management.