Toxic shock syndrome post open reduction and Kirschner wire fixation of a humeral lateral condyle fracture.

Use of Kirschner wires (K-wires) is the most common method of fracture stabilisation in lateral condyle fracture fixation in children. We report a case of toxic shock syndrome (TSS) following an open reduction and internal fixation using K-wires for a humeral lateral condyle fracture in a 5-year-old girl. TSS is a toxin-mediated multisystem illness. It typically presents with shock and it is most often attributed to toxin-producing strains of Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes. It can lead to multiorgan failure and, ultimately, death. It is important to be aware of TSS, as it can present within any setting. Patients often have non-specific symptoms and their condition can worsen rapidly. TSS postorthopaedic surgery is rare; however, due to the serious nature of this disease, it is important to promptly recognise and diagnose TSS, and to ensure appropriate treatment is started without delay. 2015 BMJ Publishing Group Ltd.