Pressurized air injection causing subcutaneous emphysema in a pediatric patient

This report describes the case of a young boy who sustained a bicycle-spoke puncture wound during which the tire air nozzle penetrated the cutaneous barrier about the ankle. Pressurized air was injected into the tissues resulting in subcutaneous emphysema. The subcutaneous gas was confirmed by roentgenogram, and a full recovery resulted after local wound care and antibiotic therapy. Care was taken to distinguish traumatic air injection from gas gangrene. ACFAS Level of Clinical Evidence: 4.