OBJECTIVE To review the pathophysiology and management of patients with clinical manifestations of fat embolism. DATA SOURCES A review of studies reported from 1976 to 1998 and identified through a MEDLINE search of the literature on fat embolism and fat embolism syndrome. SUMMARY OF REVIEW Fat embolism occurs when bony or soft tissue trauma has caused fat to enter the circulation, or in at...

Fat embolism syndrome is usually associated with surgery for large bone fractures. Symptoms usually occur within 36 hours of hospitalization after traumatic injury. We present a case with fat embolism syndrome due to femur fracture. Prompt supportive treatment of the patient's respiratory system and additional pharmaceutical treatment provided the positive clinical outcome. There is no specific...

Fat embolism syndrome is a rare and potentially lethal complication most commonly seen in long bone fractures and intramedullary manipulation. The clinical triad of fat embolism syndrome consists of mental confusion, respiratory distress, and petechiae. This study reports a case of cerebral fat embolism syndrome following elective bilateral total knee replacement. After an uneventful anesthesia...

Fat embolism syndrome, a condition characterized by hypoxia, bilateral pulmonary infiltrates, and mental status change, is commonly thought of in association with long-bone trauma. Fat embolization can frequently take place, however, within the setting of elective and semiacute orthopedic procedures. In particular, there is a high incidence of fat embolization during placement of hip prostheses...

background: respiratory problems are common after long bone fractures. the objective of the present investigation is to evaluate the effect of early fixation of femoral shaft fracture on the incidence of respiratory problems.   methods: the results of early and late stabilization of femoral shaft fractures were studied in 150 patients. the patients were divided into two groups according to the ...

Fat embolism syndrome is a collection of respiratory, haematological, neurological and cutaneous symptoms and signs associated with trauma and other disparate surgical and medical conditions. The incidence of the clinical syndrome is low (< 1% in retrospective reviews) whilst the embolisation of marrow fat appears to be an almost inevitable consequence of long bone fractures. There is debate ov...

Background: Respiratory problems are common after long bone fractures. The objective of the present investigation is to evaluate the effect of early fixation of femoral shaft fracture on the incidence of respiratory problems. Methods: The results of early and late stabilization of femoral shaft fractures were studied in 150 patients. The patients were divided into two groups according to the st...

Fat embolism syndrome usually occurs following trauma where fat globules from long bone fractures produce pulmonary, cerebral or cutaneous effects. This case illustrates the presence of macroscopic fat in the right common femoral vein secondary to a long bone fracture. This finding is rare but should be looked for on cross-sectional imaging to allow early, aggressive treatment of fat embolism s...