Necrotizing fasciitis: a case of hip disarticulation in a postnatal intravenous drug abuser

Abstract

An interesting case of necrotizing fasciitis of the leg following emergency caesarian section in a known intravenous drug user. Postnatal day two she developed pain and swelling in the left leg. In view of her previous history, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) was the initial diagnosis. But, due to clinically worsening symptoms and no response to anticoagulation, further investigations were done which showed necrotizing fasciitis. Due to disease progression, a hip disarticulation was performed and the patient went on to full recovery.