Clinical Signs and Symptoms of Infection

Non-limb-threatening Infection

Limb-threatening Infection

Superficial infection

• Non-healing
• Bright red granulation tissue
• Friable and exuberant granulation
• New areas of breakdown or necrosis
• Increased exudates
• Bridging  of soft tissue and the epithelium
• Foul odour

Deep wound infection

• Pain
• Swelling, induration
• Erythema (> 2 cm)
• Wound breakdown
• Increased size or satellite areas Undermining or tunneling
• Probing to bone
• Anorexia
• Flu-like symptoms
• Erratic glucose control

Systemic infection

In addition to deep wound infection:

• Fever
• Rigour
• Chills
• Hypotension Multi-organ failure