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Animal related injuries as most common causes of human morbidity have different pattern by geographical zones. We aimed to explore the main descriptive epidemiology of animal-related injuries in both rural and urban areas in Iran. Between 2000 and 2004, we collected the data of all the cases of animal related trauma hospitalized for more than 24 hours in eight cities (Tehran, Mashhad, Ahwaz, Shiraz, Tabriz, Qom, Kermanshah, and Babol). Further evaluations were conducted on 17753 eligible subjects. Of 17753 traumatic patients, 40 subjects (0.2%), had animal-related injuries. The highest rate was seen in Tabriz with 11 cases. Upper and lower extremities were the most frequent sites of trauma and they were injured in 13 and 11 cases respectively. Dog bite and cow-related injuries were responsible for 40% and 32.5% of injuries respectively. Amputation of the phalanx was done in 2 cases due to dog bite and bull gore occurred. One thoracotomy, one laparatomy and one craniotomy were done. One patient needed fasciatomy due to snake bite. Educating the patients could decrease the incidence of morbidity of these injuries.

Traumatic abdominal wall hernias are a type of acquired hernia secondary to blunt trauma Caused, by direct trauma from handlebar like objects. This rare hernia is named ‘Handlebar hernia'. We report a case of such hernia without any significant intra-abdominal injury. The abdominal wall defect was repaired in layers by Jones technique. Postoperative course was uneventful. The authors recommend clinical suspicion for traumatic hernia in all patients with traumatic abdominal wall injury. Definitive treatment includes surgical exploration with primary repair of all tissue layers of the abdominal wall.