Crepitus under the skin after penetrating injuries: harmless benign subcutaneous emphysema or life-threatening infection with gas-producing bacteria (gas gangrene because of Clostridium perfringens, crepitating cellulitis because of anaerobic Streptococcus or other coliforme bacteria)? We report a case of a 74-year-old male who developed massive crepitation of the left upper extremity and the lateral thoracic wall and mediastinal emphysema after sustaining a laceration of the left thumb and forefinger from a nail. Because there was the suspicion of gas gangrene we performed generous skin incisions of the ventral and dorsal part of the hand, the forearm and upper arm and open wound treatment. A triple antibiotic therapy was initiated. Due to fast regression of the subcutaneous emphysema and the mediastinal emphysema, continuing lack of symptoms, negative smear test results from the beginning and low infection parameters in the blood all wounds could be closed 9 days after primary surgery. The suspicion of gas gangrene was not confirmed so the diagnosis of benign subcutaneous emphysema was made.

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The non-vascularised fibula transfer is a reliable method to span bony defects of up to 25 cm in length. Unlike the autologous spongiosa graft it ensures a mechanical support because of the high cortical proportion. A temporarily occurring absorption of the transplant can be solved by a vascularised transfer, also the indication can be extended for covering combined osseous-soft tissue-defects or for reconstruction of the growth plate through epiphyseal transplantation. Indeed a strikingly increased extraction morbidity by resection of the peroneal artery and an essential elevated surgical effort are associated with these procedures. In consideration of the excellent results, the indication limits of the non-vascularised fibula transfer need to be defined. It can be successfully applied, especially in infancy, under the following conditions: unstable osseous defects with vital soft tissues, appropriate shape of the fibula for reconstruction as well as appropriate osseous requirements for a stable incorporation or osteosynthesis.