Six patients, aged four months to six years, had purpura fulminans following various types of febrile illness. Gangrenous involvement of varying degree and location required either amputation or multiple operative procedures, such as skin grafts, fascial releases, and osteotomies. Early treatment for shock and then heparinization to minimize thrombosis will prevent much orthopaedic intravascular disability, but early splinting and nursing care are also helpful.