Necrotizing fasciitis: review of pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment.

Although the number of patients presenting with necrotizing fasciitis remains small, the cases seen by practitioners become legendary. The purpose of this article is to demystify NF through a review of the pathophysiology and the clinical presentation of NE Recommended diagnostic and treatment modalities are also discussed. Future research is recommended in the area of advanced therapies, such as hyperbaric oxygenation and the utilization of burn centers. Without further advances, the practitioner must continue to be vigilant in completing rapid diagnosis and treatment so as to decrease morbidity and mortality in this patient population.