Atypical necrotizing fasciitis following surgical treatment for closed ankle fracture dislocation

Abstract

We report the case of a 66-year-old female who sustained a closed ankle fracture dislocation of her right ankle (Weber B; AO 44-B3.2). She underwent an open reduction with internal fixation, complicated with a small, superficial wound dehiscence during the initial follow-up. One month after surgery, she developed inflammatory signs on her right ankle, but disregarded them. One week later, she was admitted into the emergency department with infection of her ankle's osteosynthesis, and a necrotizing fasciitis of her left upper limb, neck, and thorax. The patient underwent multiple surgical interventions for the removal of osteosynthesis hardware, fasciotomies, consecutive debridements, and finally a below-the-knee amputation. Streptococcus pyogenes was identified in several cultures as the responsible agent, and directed antibiotic treatment was performed. However, despite all treatments, the patient's clinical status progressively worsened until she eventually deceased, 1 month after admission.