OBJECTIVE: Necrotizing fasciitis is an infection of the soft tissue that is characterized by rapidly spreading inflammation and subsequent necrosis. It is a rare complication of peripheral nerve blocks. We report a rare case of necrotizing fasciitis after placement of a peripheral nerve catheter. CASE REPORT: A 58-year-old woman presented for an elective right second metatarsal resection and received a sciatic nerve catheter for postoperative pain control. On postoperative day 7, clinical examination and imaging supported the diagnosis of necrotizing fasciitis. CONCLUSIONS: Multiple reports have been published of necrotizing fasciitis after single-shot peripheral nerve block injections, neuraxial anesthesia, and intramuscular injections. This case highlights the potential for the rare complication of necrotizing fasciitis after peripheral nerve catheter placement.
OBJECTIVE:Necrotizing fasciitis is an infection of the soft tissue that is characterized by rapidly spreading inflammation and subsequent necrosis. It is a rare complication of peripheral nerve blocks. We report a rare case of necrotizing fasciitis after placement of a peripheral nerve catheter. CASE REPORT: A 58-year-old woman presented for an elective right second metatarsal resection and received a sciatic nerve catheter for postoperative pain control. On postoperative day 7, clinical examination and imaging supported the diagnosis of necrotizing fasciitis. CONCLUSIONS: Multiple reports have been published of necrotizing fasciitis after single-shot peripheral nerve block injections, neuraxial anesthesia, and intramuscular injections. This case highlights the potential for the rare complication of necrotizing fasciitis after peripheral nerve catheter placement.