Severe soft tissue infection of the face and neck: a classification.

Successful treatment of severe soft tissue infections of the face and neck necessitates early recognition followed by aggressive medical and surgical therapy. These infections often spread via tissue planes, and it is essential that all areas of necrosis be exposed, debrided, or excised according to tissue planes. A classification of soft tissue infection based upon tissue plane involvement is proposed as an aid to diagnosis and treatment. In addition, a protocol for management of these infections is presented.