Necrotising fasciitis is a soft tissue infection. It is very aggressive, and if not treated quickly enough the infection can spread to the bone. This is called osteomyelitis.
If you have developed osteomyelitis because medical practitioners did not diagnose and treat necrotising fasciitis in time, there may be grounds for a medical negligence compensation claim.
To talk to a solicitor about suing a doctor or hospital for necrotising fasciitis, please get in touch with our legal team today. We will be more than happy to help.
What is necrotising fasciitis – the flesh-eating disease?
Necrotising fasciitis is a bacterial infection that is often described as the ‘flesh-eating disease’. It has earned this nickname due to the appearance of the tissue when the infection takes hold. An open sore develops, and this grows in size as more flesh disappears.
In reality the flesh is not being eaten. It is being destroyed by a toxin, released by bacteria that have got into the body’s deep tissues. The toxin is produced as the bacteria reproduce and it causes the surrounding tissue and vessels to break down. This makes it difficult for blood and oxygen to reach the tissue, damaging the tissue even further. The tissue then dies and disintegrates, creating an open wound.
The wound will continue to grow because the bacteria are still inside the tissue reproducing. The infection therefore travels to more and more tissue, making it appear as though the flesh is being gradually eaten.
The symptoms of necrotising fasciitis are:
- Fever
- Pain in the tissue
- Swelling and redness at the site of pain
- Changes in the appearance of the skin – e.g. blisters and discoloration
What is osteomyelitis?
Osteomyelitis is also an infection, normally caused by bacteria (as necrotising fasciitis is). But whereas necrotising fasciitis is an infection of the subcutaneous tissue, osteomyelitis is an infection of the bone.
The symptoms of osteomyelitis are:
- High temperature
- Pain in the bone
- Swelling and redness at the site of pain
- Restricted range of movement
How does osteomyelitis happen?
Osteomyelitis can occur when an injury, accident or surgical procedure exposes the bone, allowing bacteria to reach the bone and cause an infection. This is called contiguous osteomyelitis and can arise after a fracture that pierces the skin, an animal bite or open surgery.
Alternatively osteomyelitis can happen when an infection elsewhere in the body spreads to the bones via the bloodstream. This is called haematogenous osteomyelitis.
How does necrotising fasciitis lead to osteomyelitis?
It is via the bloodstream that necrotising fasciitis can lead to osteomyelitis. Indeed, if the necrotising fasciitis infection is not treated, the bacteria will spread from the tissue and will soon reach the bloodstream. Once in the bloodstream the infection can travel to any part of the body, including the bone.
Complications of osteomyelitis
Osteomyelitis that occurs as a result of necrotising fasciitis can lead to complications.
Firstly, it is possible that the blood supply to the bone and surrounding tissue will be greatly reduced. This will result in gangrene, which is when the tissue dies due to a lack of oxygen. In such cases the tissue and the bone will have to be surgically removed. If a limb is affected, an amputation will be needed.
Secondly, osteomyelitis can be recurring. This is called chronic osteomyelitis. This can cause ongoing pain and extensive treatment.
Timely treatment of necrotising fasciitis
Just because a patient has necrotising fasciitis does not mean that he/she will get osteomyelitis. Normally this will only happen if the patient does not undergo treatment quickly enough. There are also some factors that will pre-dispose a patient to osteomyelitis, including poor nutrition, poor blood supply and exposed bone.
Therefore it is possible to stop necrotising fasciitis leading to osteomyelitis. However, prevention requires the early diagnosis and treatment of necrotising fasciitis.
The diagnosis of necrotising fasciitis is largely dependent upon doctors understanding a patient’s symptoms. A surgical exploration can be useful as it will reveal evidence of tissue necrosis.
The treatment of necrotising fasciitis involves administering intravenous antibiotics and surgical debridement. Surgical debridement is when all the dead tissue is cut away. If a patient has undergone a surgical exploration, it will be possible to proceed straight to debridement surgery. In any event, surgery is required on an emergency basis.
Delayed treatment of necrotising fasciitis causes osteomyelitis
If necrotising fasciitis is not treated in a timely fashion, it can cause serious complications – including osteomyelitis. This can have a huge impact upon the eventual outcome, leaving a patient with an amputation or deformity that could have been avoided with earlier treatment. It may also mean a lifetime of pain and medical treatment for the patient, who can be left with chronic osteomyelitis.
These complications can turn a person’s life upside down, making it difficult for them to continue with employment or social activities. Along with potentially devastating financial implications, such complications can also lead to terrible emotional injuries for those concerned, leading to depression, low self-esteem and agoraphobia.
Can you make a claim?
If you, or someone you know, has been affected by osteomyelitis because of necrotising fasciitis, it may be worth seeking expert legal advice. If the osteomyelitis happened because necrotising fasciitis was not diagnosed and treated in a reasonable amount of time, there could be a case of medical negligence. This would entitle you (or your loved one) to make a claim for compensation. This will offer some recompense for the physical, emotional and financial damage that has been done.
To find out if you can make a claim, you need to speak to a solicitor who handle medical negligence claims (also called clinical negligence claims in the UK).
Contact our team
If you are looking for a solicitor to talk to about a necrotising fasciitis claim, please get in touch with us today. We will let you know whether you are eligible to sue a GP or hospital for necrotising fasciitis. If so, we can help you make a claim, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.
For more information, get in touch with our friendly and professional team of medical negligence lawyers.
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