Necrotizing Fasciitis as a Complication of a Continuous Sciatic Nerve Catheter Using the Lateral Popliteal Approach.
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.



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.



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.
From the Department of Anesthesiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN.
Daltry
D
Dott
Christopher
C
Canlas
Christopher
C
Sobey
William
W
Obremskey
Andrew Brian
AB
Thomson
D057785:Catheters / Q000009:adverse effects*; D019115:Fasciitis, Necrotizing / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007273:Injections, Intramuscular; D008875:Middle Aged; D019637:Orthopedic Procedures; D012584:Sciatic Nerve