Subcutaneous Emphysema of the Upper Extremity After Elbow Arthroscopy

Subcutaneous emphysema of the upper extremity is rare. Crepitation on physical examination and visible gas on radiographs raise the concern of gas gangrene due to gas-producing bacteria. Rapid establishment of a differential diagnosis is necessary to initiate proper treatment. We present a case of subcutaneous emphysema after elbow arthroscopy caused by a noninfectious genesis. A 59-year-old woman with loose bodies in her left elbow due to mild degenerative joint disease and restricted range of motion was offered an elbow arthroscopy with removal of loose bodies and arthrolysis. Postoperatively, the elbow was actively put alternatively in maximum extension and flexion. On the first postoperative day, rapidly ascending swelling and subcutaneous crepitation starting from the hand to the forearm were noted. There was no clinical evidence of infection. Radiographs showed subcutaneous air. Frequent blood tests and clinical evaluation ruled out a potentially life-threatening bacterial infection, and the signs resolved after 1 week without surgical treatment. Presumably, the intensive postoperative range-of-motion exercises led to a sucking in of air into the wound during each movement. This case illustrates that it is important to differentiate nonbacterial from bacterial causes of soft-tissue gas formation to initiate the appropriate treatment.