Journal of Musculoskeletal Trauma

Review Article

Fracture-Related Complication: Fat Embolism Syndrome: Beom-Soo Kim; J Korean Fract Soc 2023;36(3):95-102. Published online July 31, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12671/jkfs.2023.36.3.95

Abstract PDF: Fat embolization is a common occurrence after trauma or during orthopedic procedures involving intramedullary manipulation. Although uncommon, fat embolism syndrome (FES) with respiratory failure, neurologic dysfunction, and petechial rash can be fatal to patients. Two theories are proposed for the manifestation of FES: in the mechanical theory, FES occurs when fat tissue in the bone marrow enters the bloodstream and mechanically blocks it; the biochemical theory proposes that FES occurs due to an inflammatory reaction caused by free fatty acids. There are currently no clear diagnostic criteria for FES, and symptoms and signs are typically nonspecific. For the treatment of FES, conservative and supportive management is performed for the specific symptoms, and close monitoring of the respiratory and neurologic systems is required in high-risk groups. Early fracture fixation of long bones helps prevent and reduce the severity of fat embolism.

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Case Report

Fat Embolism in a Patient with Multiple Fractures of Cancellous Bones: A Case Report: Eui Sung Choi, Yong Min Kim, Dong Soo Kim, Hyun Chul Shon, Kyung Jin Park, Jun Mo Jeon; J Korean Fract Soc 2005;18(2):202-204. Published online April 30, 2005; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12671/jkfs.2005.18.2.202

Fat embolism is a rare complication of multiple long bone fracture or extensive soft tissue injury. The pathogenesis of fat embolism has been poorly understood and definite pathogenesis and treatment were not fully established. Respiratory failure associated with fat embolism is a major cause of death, but is usually self-limited, and is responsive to intensive treatment. We have experienced fat embolism in cancellous bone fracture which occurred in spine, distal radius and talus. Patient's fractures were treated with conservative management. The patient was recovered from fat embolism with supportive treatment.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

A case of fat embolism syndrome in juvenile rheumatoid arthritis patient
Kyung Hoon Kim, Ju Kyung Lee, Young Hun Choi, Woo Sun Kim, June Dong Park, Young Yull Koh, Dong In Suh
Allergy Asthma & Respiratory Disease.2013; 1(1): 94. CrossRef

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