J Korean Orthop Assoc.  1974 Jun;9(2):261-266. 10.4055/jkoa.1974.9.2.261.

Fat Embolism: A Case Report

• Lee CH
• Kim MJ
• Kim YK
• Lee H

• KMID: 2471512
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4055/jkoa.1974.9.2.261

Abstract

Fat embolism is a relatively rare catastrophic complication of multiple long bone fracture or extensive crushing injury to soft tissue. Many authors have been reported its pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment, but still there were no certain pathogenesis, definite diagnostic criteria and treatment. We have experienced a case of fat embolism followed by femur fracture in March, 1974. The patient was successfully treated with oxygen, whole blood transfusion, corticosteroid and other supportive measures. After satisfactory recover from embolic disaster fractured femur was reduced surgically with intramedullary Küntscher nailing.

MeSH Terms

Blood Transfusion
Diagnosis
Disasters
Embolism, Fat*
Femur
Fractures, Bone
Humans
Oxygen
Oxygen

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 Petechial groups over ant chest and exillary region

• 

  Fig. 2 Fat dropltse in sputum

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  Fig. 3 Pathogenesis of fat embolism

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