Korean J Anesthesiol.  2010 Dec;59(Suppl):S207-S210. 10.4097/kjae.2010.59.S.S207.

Cerebral fat embolism after bilateral total knee replacement arthroplasty: A case report

• Chang RN
• Kim JH
• Lee H
• Baik HJ
• Chung RK
• Kim CH
• Hwang TH

• KMID: 2237389
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4097/kjae.2010.59.S.S207

Abstract

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 and initial recovery, the patient developed neurologic symptoms nine hours postoperatively.

Keyword

Arthroplasty; Fat embolism; Total knee replacement

MeSH Terms

Anesthesia
Arthroplasty
Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee
Embolism, Fat
Fractures, Bone
Humans
Neurologic Manifestations
Purpura