The femoral triangle. A potential death trap for the drug abuser

A retrospective analysis of the admissions to a major metropolitan hospital during one calendar year was undertaken to determine the severity of complications of parenteral drug abuse related to route of injection. Fifty-two admissions (94.5%) were recorded for complications secondary to superficial venous injection, 49 patients (89%) with uncomplicated superficial soft tissue infections with a mean hospital stay of 8.6 days, and three patients (5.5%) with prolonged hospital visits for treatment of systemic sepsis which resolved without residual disability. In contrast, three patients (5.5%) had complications secondary to deep venous injection, all via the femoral triangle. Each patient in this last group had life- or limb-threatening complications; there was one death, and residual disability was reported in the two survivors, despite aggressive therapy. We conclude that the complications of parenteral drug abuse via the femoral triangle far overshadow those secondary in superficial venous injection, and that the femoral triangle is a potential death trap for the drug abuser.