Necrotizing soft tissue infection of the upper limb

Necrotizing soft tissue infections and necrotizing fasclitis are life-threatening infections affecting the hypodermis, muscular fascia, and dermis secondarily. Mortality is high, with an average of 30%. The early diagnosis of necrotizing soft fissile infection is challenging, but is key to successful management of these patients. The mainstay of therapy includes early and wide surgical debridement, antibiotics and supportive care. Adjunctive therapies may have a role, but their effectiveness remains unproven. A review of the literature allows us to highlight this multidisciplinary management. (C) 2012 Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.