Clostridium perfringens Surgical Site Infection after Osteotomy for Knee Deformity Correction in a Non-Immunocompromised Child

Abstract

Abstract

Background:

Clostridium perfringens myonecrosis following an elective surgical procedure in a previously healthy child is a rare incident.

Methods:

Case report and literature review.

Results:

A two-year old boy admitted for elective bilateral osteotomies of tibiae was detected to be febrile at day one post-operatively with crepitus felt at his left ankle. An emergency wound debridement was performed followed by a course of antibiotics. Clostridium perfringens was isolated from tissue culture. His wound was later covered with a split-thickness skin graft.

Conclusion:

Clostridium perfringens infection following a surgical procedure in a healthy child is rare. A high index of suspicion is important to recognize this debilitating infection.