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Retinal lesions following long bone fractures
Ophthalmology
|March 1, 1985
Summary
Subclinical fat embolism syndrome (FES) may occur in patients with long bone fractures. Ophthalmoscopy revealed fundus lesions in four patients, suggesting FES is more common than previously thought.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Orthopedics
- Trauma Care
Background:
- Long bone fractures pose a risk for fat embolism syndrome (FES).
- Retinal abnormalities are common in overt FES, but incidence in all fracture patients is unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of fundus lesions in patients with long bone fractures.
- To investigate the potential for subclinical FES in this patient population.
Main Methods:
- Ophthalmoscopic examination of 100 patients with long bone or pelvic fractures.
- Exclusion of patients with head, abdominal, thoracic injuries, or other retinopathy-associated diseases.
Main Results:
- Four out of 100 patients (4%) showed retinal findings (cotton-wool spots, hemorrhages).
- Only one patient reported visual symptoms.
- None of the affected patients were initially suspected of having FES.
Conclusions:
- Fundus lesions suggestive of subclinical FES can be detected via ophthalmoscopy in patients with long bone fractures.
- Ophthalmoscopy may aid in diagnosing subclinical FES in trauma patients.