These tools will no longer be maintained as of December 31, 2024. Archived website can be found here. PubMed4Hh GitHub repository can be found here. Contact NLM Customer Service if you have questions.


Pubmed for Handhelds

PUBMED FOR HANDHELDS

Search MEDLINE/PubMed

  • Title: Fat embolism syndrome in an adolescent before surgical treatment of an isolated closed tibial shaft fracture.
    Author: Nawaf CB, Kelly DM, Warner WC, Beaty JH, Rhodes L, Sawyer JR.
    Journal: Am J Orthop (Belle Mead NJ); 2012 Dec; 41(12):565-8. PubMed ID: 23431527.
    Abstract:
    Fat embolism syndrome (FES) occurs most commonly in adults with high-energy trauma, especially fractures of the long-bones and pelvis. Because of unique age-related physiologic differences in the immature skeleton, as well as differences in fracture management in pediatric patients, FES is rare in children. To our knowledge, this is the first case report of FES occurring before surgical fixation of a closed tibial shaft fracture in an adolescent. A 16-year-old, 109 kg, Caucasian adolescent boy developed FES after closed diaphyseal fractures of the distal tibia and fibula, showing signs of respiratory distress and mental status changes. The FES resolved with supportive respiratory care and intramedullary nailing of the fracture was done without further respiratory compromise. FES is uncommon in children and adolescents. A high index of suspicion is required to make the diagnosis promptly and institute appropriate treatment. Intramedullary nailing of a long-bone fracture can be done safely and successfully after resolution of the FES.
    [Abstract] [Full Text] [Related] [New Search]