title: Clinical and laboratory diagnosis of lower extremity infections.
abstract: By following a systematic approach to the patient history, physical examination, and laboratory analysis in cases of infections, rapid and accurate therapeutic intervention becomes possible. This action can prevent possibly devastating infectious complications, ranging from partial amputation to death. The current litigious climate dictates thorough evaluation and documentation of all infectious diseases of the lower extremity.
authors.forename: W S
authors.initials: WS
authors.lastname: Joseph
mesh_terms: D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000175:diagnosis*; D001431:Bacteriological Techniques; D005534:Foot Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006403:Hematologic Tests; D006801:Humans; D007868:Leg Dermatoses / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000382:microbiology; D008487:Medical History Taking; D010808:Physical Examination; D013997:Time Factors