Necrotizing fasciitis: early detection may save your patient's limb.

Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a rapidly spreading infection affecting the subcutaneous soft tissue. Because of its rapid progression and high mortality, it is essential that the patient is diagnosed and treated early. Over the past century and a half, little has changed in the mortality of this disease. The orthopaedic nurse is in a key position to assist with the early detection and treatment of NF. In the following article, the pathophysiology, early disease detection, diagnostic and treatment challenges, and appropriate nursing interventions will be discussed as it relates to improving the care of the patient with NF.