RT Journal
A1 Silva, Selina R.
A1 Bosch, Patrick
T1 Intramuscular Air as a Complication of Pulse-Lavage IrrigationA Case Report
JF The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery
JO The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery
YR 2009
FD December 1
VO 91
IS 12
SP 2937
OP 2940
DO 10.2106/JBJS.H.01431
UL http://dx.doi.org/10.2106/JBJS.H.01431
AB 
We present the case of a child with septic arthritis of the hip that was treated with open irrigation and débridement by the on-call service. There was temporary use of pulse lavage during the operation, resulting in intramuscular and subfascial air. The following day, the medical team that accepted the patient from the on-call service had no knowledge of the use of pulse lavage and, when confronted with a confusing clinical picture and dramatic radiographs, proceeded with urgent surgical exploration. This case demonstrates an iatrogenic cause of intramuscular air and illustrates the importance of good communication between on-call and accepting services. In accordance with local Human Resources and Research Center (institutional review board) policies, the parents of the patient were informed that data concerning the case would be submitted for publication, and they consented.