"It should be pointed out that my finger is bent as a result of the skin graft treatment.  The skin graft required my finger to be immobilized and splinted while the graft took, which it did not take!

This immobilization caused the tendons to tighten up. Snake bites of Extremities should be allowed to move and stretch.  Contracture of muscle and tendon is probably the most common permanent effect following a venomous snakebite to an extremity.  This is further complicated by fixation of joints and muscles.  Localized scars, are not preventable, however, improper first aid treatments can greatly ad to the severity of the scar.

My finger should have been debried shortly after the bite, allowing for continual removal of subsequent sloughing of tissue.  This would have allowed flexation and movement. Complication of tightened tendons can be remedied by surgically cutting the tendon.

I didn't hold the physicians responsible since treatment for other injuries can effectively be achieved using this procedure. Even snake bites can be treated like this, but with more complications and a longer recovery.

An argument in favor of a skin graft could well be made.  Pointing out that in cases such as this, when due to tissue damage and subsequent debriment, exposes cartilage and tendon or a large area of subcutaneous fascia. Such a wound warrants concern for infection and or drying could be considered for a graft.  Applicably the graft serves as a “bandage” or even if the graft doesn’t take, as a “scab” to protect from further exposure.  However, this can also be accomplished with proper bandage and treatments.

In my opinion, the later is the best method of treatment whenever possible.

Lee Moore, Jr.  1/25/03

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ANTI-VENOM

Two types of anti-venom are produced by Wyeth Laboratories for treatment of envenomations caused by native venomous snakes in North America. Wyeth produces Crotalidae Polyvalent Antivenin® to treat crotalid envenomations. This anti-venom covers all envenomations except from bites of coral snakes. Coral snakes envenomation requires Antivenin (Micrurus fulvius).

These medications are designed to provide a broad spectrum of effectiveness. However these medications are known to better neutralize some venom more effectively than others.   This is due to the fact that not all species are used in the production of anti-venom and in the cases of some species the effectiveness relies on a cross resistance provide by the antibodies produced by other similar toxins.

Wyeth Laboratories can be contacted at P.O. Box 8299 Philadelphia, Pa. 19101-1245 U.S. (215) 688-4400.

Also see: Venomous Snakes of Florida

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