INFECTION IN THE ISCHEMIC LOWER-EXTREMITY

Infection of the ischemic lower extremity can represent a formidable c linical challenge. Successful treatment requires a thorough understand ing of the pathologic process and therapeutic roles of appropriate ant ibiotic use, surgical debridement of devitalized tissue, and, when nec essary, revascularization of the ischemic extremity. Failure to expedi tiously recognize and control the infectious process may have devastat ing consequences, including limb amputation, sepsis, and death.