A Rare Case of Monomicrobial Necrotizing Fasciitis Associated With an Initial Acute Compartment Syndrome.

Abstract

In this article we report a rare case of necrotizing fasciitis presenting with the possible initial symptom of compartment syndrome. After treatment with broad spectrum and targeted antibiotics in addition to multiple fasciotomies, surgical debridement, and grafts the patient went on to uneventful healing within 6 months. This case report highlights the possibility of a compartment syndrome as the only initial symptom of a monomicrobial necrotizing soft tissue infection. While multiple case reports have documented group A streptococcal cellulitis as initiating a later acute compartment syndrome, this is to our knowledge the first case in the foot and ankle of compartment syndrome as a possible early symptom of a group A streptococcal (monomicrobial) necrotizing fasciitis.