Traumatic Panniculitis-the Spectrum

Panniculitis, when induced by physical trauma or by chemical agents at injection sites, presents as indurated subcutaneous nodules or plaques. The clinical picture may vary, but the context makes usually the diagnosis easy. Three case histories from our department illustrate the spectrum of traumatic panniculitis: subcutaneous nodules at injection sites, a large subcutaneous mass disproportionate to mild trauma, and, at the other end of the spectrum, severe adipose tissue necrosis with liquefied fat discharging through surface wounds. Traumatic panniculitis is self-limiting and only requires symptomatic treatment.