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Femoral Bone Marrow Aspiration in Live Mice
Published on: July 5, 2014
Fat marrow embolism during intramedullary bone endoscopy: an experimental study in sheep
Michael Oberst1, Georg Herget, Urs Riede
1Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, University Hospital of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany. michael.oberst@uniklinik-freiburg.de
Summary
Intramedullary bone endoscopy (IBE) may cause fat embolism, but the risk is lower than other orthopedic procedures like total hip arthroplasty (THA). This study investigated the embolic load of IBE in a sheep model.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Biomedical Engineering
- Pulmonary Medicine
Background:
- Intramedullary procedures can cause fat embolism.
- The embolic risk of Intramedullary Bone Endoscopy (IBE) is not well-established.
- Orthopedic interventions like total hip arthroplasty (THA) are known to cause significant embolic loads.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the embolic load on the lungs during Intramedullary Bone Endoscopy (IBE) in an intact long bone.
- To compare the embolic risk of IBE with other orthopedic procedures.
Main Methods:
- A sheep model with 10 animals was used.
- Animals underwent Intramedullary Bone Endoscopy (IBE) with comprehensive monitoring.
- Lungs were harvested postoperatively and examined histologically for fat embolisms.
Main Results:
- One animal (10%) showed evidence of intraoperative fat embolism.
- This animal experienced temporary increases in pulmonary arterial pressure and CO2 gradient.
- Histological examination revealed fat embolism covering 2% of the investigated lung surface area.
- Nine animals had normal peri- and postoperative data.
Conclusions:
- Intramedullary Bone Endoscopy (IBE) carries a potential risk of systemic fat embolism, similar to other intramedullary manipulations.
- The embolic load associated with IBE appears to be significantly lower than reported rates for other orthopedic interventions such as THA.
