A Patient with Acute Necrotizing Fasciitis after a Total Knee Replacement: A Case Report

Diagnostics (Basel). 2023 Mar 16;13(6):1125. doi: 10.3390/diagnostics13061125.

Abstract

Necrotizing fasciitis is a relatively rare and serious fatal soft-tissue infection that is characterized by a rapidly spreading bacterial infection located in the subcutaneous tissues. We report a 59-year-old man who was diagnosed with acute necrotizing fasciitis, following a primary total knee replacement. He received primary total knee replacement that was uneventful and smooth intraoperatively. An immediate high fever was reported in the next few days, with several complications, confirming a diagnosis of necrotizing fasciitis. The most effective treatment for this disease is a rapid primary diagnosis and surgical debridement. Gold standard treatment includes intravenous therapy, such as antibiotics, surgical debridement, and intensive care. As a result of possible GI complications that triggered necrotizing fasciitis, the patient underwent flap reconstruction. This report's aim is to review the comprehensive treatment, management, and experience of necrotizing fasciitis, highlighting the roles with a multidisciplinary care team for improving the condition of this patient.

Keywords: Enterococcus faecalis; fungal infection; gastrointestinal; necrotizing fasciitis; total knee replacement.

Grants and funding

This research received no external funding.