Imaging tests can be useful when diagnosing necrotising fasciitis. However, it is not the only means of diagnosing necrotising fasciitis, with surgical exploration being the most useful tool.
If medical practitioners failed to take steps to diagnose your necrotising fasciitis, meaning your treatment was delayed, you could be the victim of medical negligence. To find out more, you need to speak to a solicitor who specialises in this area of the law.
Imaging tests to diagnose necrotising fasciitis
Necrotising fasciitis is a soft tissue infection that kills the deep tissues and fascia.
The process of necrosis will cause certain changes within the tissue. Most notably, there will be inflammation in the soft tissue, along with the release of gas. These side-effects can often be seen on imaging tests, helping medical practitioners work towards an accurate diagnosis of necrotising fasciitis.
More specifically, the following tests may be employed by medical practitioners to aid investigations:
- Computerised tomography scan (CT scan)
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Ultrasonography
- Plain radiography
These tests can reveal the presence of swelling, inflammation and gas in the soft tissue. Nevertheless, they do have certain drawbacks. For instance, a CT scan may not be specific, MRI scans are not always readily available, while ultrasonography necessitates a specially trainer operator.
Therefore imaging tests cannot be relied upon when diagnosing necrotising fasciitis.
Surgical exploration for necrotising fasciitis
The most effective investigation for necrotising fasciitis is surgical exploration. This involves taking the patient to theatre and administering a general anaesthetic. The tissue is then cut open at the site of suspected infection.
The surgical team can then assess the underlying tissue to check whether there are any signs of necrosis. One such sign is the presence of ‘dishwater fluid’, which is a murky looking fluid caused by liquefied necrotic tissue.
Doctors did not investigate for necrotising fasciitis
Medical practitioners should complete these investigations on anyone who is displaying the signs of a soft tissue infection. These signs include skin that is red, hot to touch, inflamed, and the presence of a fever.
Should doctors fail to suspect a soft tissue infection and therefore fail to investigate the possibility of necrotising fasciitis, the standard of care will be unacceptable. If this means that a patient’s treatment is delayed, causing unnecessary harm, there will be grounds for a compensation claim.
Expert legal advice for necrotising fasciitis claims
For more information on claiming compensation as the victim of medical negligence, please get in touch with our legal team today.
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