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Updated: May 23, 2026
12:18
Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)
Published on: February 9, 2011
Lower-extremity soft tissue infections with intra-abdominal sources
Ryan K Harrison1, Jill C Wilmoth, Michael J Griesser
1Department of Orthopaedics, The Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio 43221, USA. ryan.harrison@osumc.edu
Orthopedics
|April 13, 2012
Summary
Prompt surgical debridement and antibiotics are crucial for lower-extremity soft tissue infections. Consider intra-abdominal sources when the infection origin is unclear, necessitating thorough evaluation and imaging.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Infectious Diseases
- General Surgery
Background:
- Soft tissue infections in the lower extremities range from superficial cellulitis to necrotizing fasciitis.
- Identifying the source of infection is critical for effective treatment.
Observation:
- A series of 3 patients with lower-extremity soft tissue infections were treated with prompt surgical debridement.
- Each patient required at least one additional procedure.
- Intra-abdominal sources were considered when the infection origin was not apparent.
Findings:
- Prompt debridement by orthopedic surgeons, followed by further procedures, was the initial management.
- Accurate diagnosis requires high suspicion, thorough history, physical examination, and ancillary studies.
- Treatment for intra-abdominal sources depends on etiology and location, involving interventional radiology or general surgery.
Implications:
- Lower-extremity soft tissue infections, particularly in the thigh, necessitate a holistic patient assessment.
- A low threshold for abdominal and pelvic imaging is vital when an intra-abdominal source is suspected.
- Integrated surgical and radiological approaches ensure comprehensive management of complex infections.
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