Case Reports
Posterior Thigh Abscess as a Complication of Continuous Popliteal Nerve Catheter
Am J Orthop. 2010 March;39(3):E25-E27
Author and Disclosure Information
Christopher J. Tucker, MD, Kevin L. Kirk, DO, and James R. Ficke, MD
CPT Tucker, MC USA, is Orthopedic Surgeon, Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland. He was an orthopedic resident at Brooke Army Medical Center at the time the article was written.
LTC Kirk, MC USA, is Foot and Ankle Surgeon, Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, Brooke Army Medical Center, Fort Sam Houston, Texas.
COL Ficke, MC USA, is Consultant to Surgeon General, Orthopedic Surgery, and Chairman, Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, Brooke Army Medical Center, Fort Sam Houston, Texas.
Continuous peripheral nerve catheters (CPNCs) have become increasingly popular for postoperative analgesia in orthopedic surgery involving the lower limbs. The CPNC technique has been found to reduce postoperative pain and facilitate earlier discharge and recovery. Until recently, potential infectious complications associated with CPNCs have remained largely unreported. In this report, we present the case of a posterior thigh abscess that developed after placement of a continuous popliteal nerve catheter and required surgical débridement.