Surgical Management of Concurrent Septic Arthritis and Forearm Necrotizing Fasciitis in an Immunocompromised Patient With a 20-Year History of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: A Case Report

Shoulder septic arthritis is a severe infection of the shoulder joint, commonly caused by bacteria such as <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i>. It leads to inflammation, severe pain, swelling, and reduced mobility in the affected shoulder. The condition is typically diagnosed through clinical evaluation, blood tests, imaging studies, and joint aspiration. Prompt treatment, usually involving antibiotics and sometimes surgical intervention, is crucial to prevent joint destruction and other serious complications. Necrotizing fasciitis of the upper extremity is a rapidly progressing, life-threatening bacterial infection that affects the fascia - the connective tissue surrounding muscles, nerves, and blood vessels. This condition is characterized by severe pain, swelling, erythema, and tissue necrosis. Commonly caused by bacteria such as <i>Streptococcus pyogenes</i>, it requires immediate medical attention. Diagnosis is often based on clinical evaluation, imaging, and laboratory tests. We discuss the surgical treatment of a patient referred to our clinic with a preliminary diagnosis of septic arthritis and a history of chronic lymphocytic leukemia that had been untreated and not followed up. During the examination, we also considered the possibility of gas gangrene in the arm and forearm.