PT - JOURNAL ARTICLE AU - A Fox AU - H Sheick AU - C Ekwobi AU - M Ho-Asjoe TI - Benign surgical emphysema of the hand and upper limb: gas is not always gangrene—a report of two cases AID - 10.1136/emj.2007.046755 DP - 2007 Nov 01 TA - Emergency Medicine Journal PG - 798--799 VI - 24 IP - 11 4099 - http://emj.bmj.com/content/24/11/798.short 4100 - http://emj.bmj.com/content/24/11/798.full SO - Emerg Med J2007 Nov 01; 24 AB - Subcutaneous emphysema of the hand can result from benign causes. Differentiating this from emphysema caused by gas-forming organisms is essential in the acute stages of presentation as the management differs considerably. We present two cases of benign surgical emphysema and highlight the importance of distinguishing between this and gas gangrene. A considered history and the absence of systemic features associated with benign causes of subcutaneous air will prevent unnecessary surgical exploration.