8th July 2023

A 36-year-old male that is normally fit and healthy presents with excruciating pain and swelling in his left thigh

A 36-year-old male that is normally fit and healthy presents with excruciating pain and swelling in his left thigh. He has been started on flucloxacillin whilst in A&E for suspected cellulitis. On examination, the patient is systemically unwell – BP 102/60, T 38.5. There is a 3cm blackened area of skin with surrounding erythema on the left thigh and he is unable to mobilise the hip due to severe pain. CT demonstrates subcutaneous emphysema with subcutaneous and fascia thickening in the anterolateral left thigh. What is the most appropriate action?

Select the SINGLE most appropriate option from the list below. Select ONE option only.