Ankle Injury Results in Fatal Infection

Case Overview

This case takes place in Vermont and involves a patient who presented to hospital shortly after a fall that resulted in an injury to her ankle. Following evaluation, it was determined that she had suffered a small fracture, and it was noted that the patient had redness on her leg at that time. Nevertheless, the patient was placed in a cast and was given crutches. The patient fainted shortly thereafter and was kept in the hospital for observation. During her stay at the hospital, the patient’s vital signs began to deteriorate, and it was also noted that she had a red line running up her leg that was consistent with a serious infection. The following day the patient went into cardiac arrest and died. It was later revealed that she had a severe bacterial infection.