Subcutaneous emphysema of upper limb.
A case is reported of subcutaneous emphysema involving upper limb resulting from a trivial laceration to the elbow. Gas in the soft tissues after the injury can be caused by infection with a gas forming organism or by a variety of non-infective causes. It is hypothesised that this minor skin wound has acted like a ball-valve mechanism leading to air being trapped in the soft tissue.
De
M
M
Department of Accident and Emergency, Crosshouse Hospital, Kilmarnock, UK. mrigankade@hotmail.com
Stevenson
J
J
D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D005542:Forearm; D006225:Hand; D006801:Humans; D022125:Lacerations / Q000150:complications*; D011859:Radiography; D013352:Subcutaneous Emphysema / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*