Fat embolism following a cemented hemiarthroplasty

Purpose Fat-embolism (FE) is a rare but severe complication involving the long tubular bones, presented during the second posttraumatic or post-operative day. The main characteristics are pulmonary distress, mental status disturbances and petechiae. The purpose is to present our case of fat embolism...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:	European journal of orthopaedic surgery & traumatology Vol. 18; no. 2; pp. 147 - 151
Main Authors:	Karadimas, E. J., Kapotas, J. B., Pachantouris, E. G., Karadimas, J. E.
Format:	Journal Article
Language:	English
Published:	Paris Springer-Verlag 01-02-2008 Springer Nature B.V
Subjects:	Case Report Embolisms Fractures Medicine Medicine & Public Health Surgical Orthopedics Traumatic Surgery Cemented hemi arthroplasty Embolie graisseuse Fat embolism Hip arthroplasty Arthroplastie de hanche Complications des arthroplasties Hémi-arthroplastie cimentée Arthroplasty complications
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Summary:	Purpose Fat-embolism (FE) is a rare but severe complication involving the long tubular bones, presented during the second posttraumatic or post-operative day. The main characteristics are pulmonary distress, mental status disturbances and petechiae. The purpose is to present our case of fat embolism and the final outcome. Materials and methods A female patient, aged 72, was admitted in our hospital after a low energy fall. The examination revealed a Garden IV subcapital hip fracture. A cemented hemiarthroplasty was performed in less than 24 h after the appropriate preoperative control. Results The operation finished uncomplicated, but later the same day, the patient became hyper-febrile with signs of confusion. During the first post-operative day she deteriorated further and a full investigation was performed. The improvement started the following day and petechiae were developed. She was able to follow the post-operative mobilization protocol and was discharged on the 12th post-operative day. Discussion We present a full documented case of FE with all the triad characteristics, which recovered rapidly and fully. We consider FE a severe complication and due to the mortality rate, all the orthopaedic surgeons must be aware of the early signs.
ISSN:	1633-8065 1432-1068
DOI:	10.1007/s00590-007-0275-4