Work

Limb salvage after gas gangrene: a case report and review of the literature

Year: 2011

Type: article

Abstract: Gas gangrene is a necrotic infection of soft tissue associated with high mortality, often necessitating amputation in order to control the infection. Herein we present a case of gas gangrene of the arm in an intravenous drug user with a history of intramuscular injections with normal saline in the shoulder used to provoke pain for recovery after drug induced coma. The patient was early treated with surgery and antibiotics rendering possible the preservation of the limb and some of its function. Additionally, a review of the literature regarding case reports of limb salvage after gas gangrene is presented.

Source: World Journal of Emergency Surgery

DOI: 10.1186/1749-7922-6-28

Authors: John Aggelidakis, Konstantinos Lasithiotakis, Anastasia Topalidou, John Koutroumpas, Georgios Kouvidis, Paulos Katonis

Institutions: University Hospital of Heraklion, Alexander S Onassis Public Benefit Foundation

Language: English

Topic: Clostridium difficile and Clostridium perfringens research

Subfield: Infectious Diseases

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,990