Soft-tissue infection in lower-extremity trauma.

Soft-tissue infection after lower-extremity trauma has not been studied in detail in light of recent data on the biology of infection. This article examines specific problems in lower-extremity trauma that allow the wound to become susceptible to wound infection. It also illustrates the various principles of wound management in lower-extremity trauma that serve to prevent infection. Two case examples are used to illustrate principles of management. Other wound problems in lower-extremity trauma are also discussed, such as rabies, necrotizing soft-tissue infection, tetanus, and diabetic foot infections.