Gas-producing infections after lower-limb amputation because of ischemia.

During the period 1972-1982, 22 patients with gas-producing infections after lower-limb amputation because of ischemia were reviewed. In 16 cases bacteria of the genus Clostridium could be cultured. Treatment consisted of hyperbaric oxygen, surgical debridement, and antibiotics. The incubation period was 1-11 days after the primary amputation, and the duration of the infection 2-31 days, significantly lower among 14 patients with diabetes mellitus. There was no difference in the course of clostridial and nonclostridial infections. No deaths were attributable to gas-forming infection.