TY  - JOUR
T1  - Intramuscular Air as a Complication of Pulse-Lavage IrrigationA Case Report
AU  - Silva, Selina R.
AU  - Bosch, Patrick
Y1  - 2009/12/01
N1  - 10.2106/JBJS.H.01431
JO  - The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery
SP  - 2937
EP  - 2940
VL  - 91
IS  - 12
N2  - 
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.

SN  - 0021-9355
M3  - doi: 10.2106/JBJS.H.01431
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.2106/JBJS.H.01431
ER  -