Dyspnea after endomedullary nailing: Fat embolism.

Abstract

Fat embolism is a well-known and life-threatening condition that can develop after long bone fractures and lower limb orthopedic surgery. It presents in a wide range of respiratory, hematological, neurological, and cutaneous symptoms and signs of varying severity, resulting from embolic showering. It is important for clinicians to have a high index of suspicion for fat embolism in patients with respiratory compromise postoperatively. Rapid recognition and supportive treatment are key in improving the outcome of these patients. The prognosis is usually good, except in fulminant fat embolism syndrome.