Surgical treatment for mid-diaphyseal radius fracture secondary to crocodile bite injury: an illustrative case and literature review

Crocodile bite injuries, though rare, are a growing concern in regions with increasing human-crocodile interactions.These injuries often result in severe soft tissue damage, vascular compromise, and complex fractures, with a high risk of secondary infection due to the polymicrobial nature of crocodilian oral flora.This report presents the case of a 22-year-old male who sustained a mid-diaphyseal radius fracture following a crocodile attack.Initial management included broad-spectrum antimicrobial therapy and vascular intervention before definitive orthopedic treatment.Surgical management involved extensive debridement, open reduction, external fixation, and a full-thickness skin graft for soft tissue coverage.Postoperatively, the patient demonstrated successful graft integration, fracture stabilization, and functional recovery with structured rehabilitation.This case highlights the importance of early debridement, staged reconstruction, and targeted infection control in optimizing outcomes for crocodile bite-induced fractures.