Adams D'Shaun D, Schwartz-Fernandes Francisco A
University of Central Florida College of Medicine, Orlando, FL, USA.
Department of Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA.
J Surg Case Rep. 2020 Oct 12;2020(10):rjaa381. doi: 10.1093/jscr/rjaa381. eCollection 2020 Oct.
A literature search confirmed no previous cases of an arm amputation secondary to necrotizing fasciitis (NF) being successfully treated with a myoelectric prosthesis. This report explores a case of a 55-year-old right-handed male with flexor tenosynovitis infection of the hand after a small laceration. Following infectious disease consult of the infection, a diagnosis of NF was made. Broad-spectrum antibiotics were initiated but the infection worsened after 12 hours. Two debridements with wound vacuum were undertaken in the next 48 hours. After further patient deterioration, a distal left forearm amputation was undertaken. The patient fully recovered and then underwent occupational therapy training with a myoelectric prosthesis to restore hand function. The patient was seen for follow-up 3, 6, 12 and 24 months after amputation. At 2-year follow-up, the patient was continuing rehabilitation with an occupational therapist to acclimate to the prosthesis with some gain of function in gross movement.
