Surgical Management of Patients with Snakebite-Related Musculoskeletal Complication–A Single Institution Experience in Cambodia

Background Snakebite-related injury is a serious public health issue. In Cambodia, it is estimated that up to 21,500 cases of envenoming occurs from snakebites annually. Musculoskeletal disability is a major long-term complication associated with the injury. In this study, we aim to describe surgical management and rehabilitation in snakebite-related musculoskeletal injuries at Children’s Surgical Centre, Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Methods We conducted a retrospective case series analysis of patients with snakebite-related injury who were treated between January 1, 2002 and December 31, 2018. Surgical patients were divided into the early and late presenting groups (= one year, respectively) based on their time interval from snake bite to time of presentation. Results There were 88 patients who presented with snakebite-related musculoskeletal injury during the cohort study period. Majority of them were male ( n = 62, 71%) and had a median age of 24 years old (IQR 17–44). The injuries were all in the upper and lower limbs though lower limb injury was more common in female patients (81% vs. 48%, Fisher’s test p = 0.005). The median time interval from snakebite to time of treatment was 3 years (IQR 3 months–11 years). In this study, 65 patients received surgical interventions. An ulcerated wound was the most common symptom among the early presenting group (78% vs. 24%), while scar contracture was most common among the late group (76% vs. 22%) (Fisher’s test p