Fat Embolism Syndrome in a Surgical Patient Medscape

Description: 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 during placement of hip prostheses. Although studies suggest that embolization events infrequently result in a clinically apparent fat embolism syndrome,[1,2] clinicians should be vigilant in considering fat embolism syndrome as a causative agent of postoperative respiratory distress.
J Am Board Fam Pract 14(4):310-313, 2001.