Fat Embolism Syndrome (Subscribe)  

Fat embolism syndrome follows long bone fractures. Its classic presentation consists of an asymptomatic interval followed by pulmonary and neurologic manifestations combined with petechial hemorrhages. The syndrome follows a biphasic clinical course. The initial symptoms are probably caused by mechanical occlusion of multiple blood vessels with fat globules that are...

FES may be defined as a complex alteration of hemostasis which occurs as an infrequent complication of fractures of pelvis and or long bones and manifests clinically as acute respiratory insufficiency.
Dr. Masood Jawaid & Dr. Muhammad Naseem 2005 Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences Volume 21 July-September 2005 Number 3

Orthopaedic Trauma Association Core Curriculum Presentation CoursePowerpoint Presentation made by well known authorities in the area and hosted by the OTA. You may use and edit these presentations for educational purposes provided you give credit to the original author and the OTA

Mr Gurd Shergill and Mr Harish Parmar Archive copy from fractures.com
Fat embolism and the associated fat embolism syndrome is a serious and potentially life threatening complication of long bone trauma, blunt trauma and intramedullary manipulation. However, some seemingly unrelated conditions have also resulting in fat embolism, such as diabetes, burns, severe...

eMedicine Article (2004) by Lisa Kirkland MD (Internist)
Synonyms and related keywords: fat embolism syndrome, FES, fat emboli, fat embolus, fat droplet in venous system, blunt trauma, fracture complication, blunt trauma complication, altered mental status

In 1862, Zenker first described this syndrome at autopsy. In 1873, von Bergmann clinically diagnosed fat embolism syndrome for the first time.
Pathophysiology Two theories about the syndrome exist. First, the mechanical theory states that large fat droplets are released into the venous system. These droplets are deposited in the pulmonary capillary...

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.[1] In particular, there is a high incidence of fat embolization...

Wheeless' Textbook of Orthopaedics
FES results when embolic marrow fat macroglobules damage small vessel perfusion leading to endothelial damage in pulmonary capillary beds leading to respiratory failure and ARDS like picture;

Fat Embolism syndrome: A review giving most importance on its clinical manifestations, diagnosis and therapy.

Altaf Hussain: A Fatal Fat Embolism. The Internet Journal of Anesthesiology. 2004. Volume 8 Number 2.
Fat Embolism and the associated Fat Embolic Syndrome is a serious and potentially life threatening condition. It tends to occur most frequently after fractures or intramedullary instrumentation of long bones particularly the femur and tibia....

Full text: J Clin Pathol Suppl (R Coll Pathol). 1970; 4: 123–131. G Szabó