Abstract

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is an uncommon disease characterized by necrotic ulcers that are often associated with underlying systemic disease. PG can occur at the surgical site following surgery, including orthopedic surgery, and may be commonly mistaken for postoperative infection, delaying diagnosis and resulting in wound deterioration and subsequent sequelae. Previously, 20 case reports of PG have been reported after orthopedic surgery. We reviewed these cases and found the majority (60%) were women. Forty percent had underlying evidence of systemic disease. Debridement was performed in 70%. Development of satellite lesions led to diagnosis of PG in 35%. These cases underscore the difficulty in diagnosis of PG and the use of inappropriate treatment, thereby highlighting the need for better awareness, diagnostic criteria, and clinical management of this disease.

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