Skin necrosis following injection of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug

Abstract

We report two patients who developed skin necrosis following an intramuscular injection of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug into the anteriolateral area of their thigh. Both patients required further multiple operations and one developed life threatening septicaemia. They were left with disfiguring scars. Skin necrosis, although rare, is a recognized adverse reaction to intramuscular non-steroidal anti-inflammatory injections. It is likely that the injections were, unwittingly, administered subcutaneously. It is important to ensure intra-muscular administration, with an appropriate needle length.