Fat embolism syndrome--a variant of post-traumatic pulmonary insufficiency

The fat embolism syndrome is defined as a variant of post-traumatic pulmonary insufficiency complicating musculoskeletal trauma. It occurs up to 28% of cases depending to a certain extent on the magnitude of the trauma. Tissue fat embolization into pulmonary and other capillaries and microthrombus formation appear to be the factors causing the microvascular disorder in the lungs, brain, kidneys, skin etc. Pulmonary malfunction and respiratory distress is the most important part of the fat embolism syndrome. The cornerstone of treatment is in supporting respiratory care. Early and effective stabilization of fractures and pharmacological glucocorticoid therapy appear to be beneficial. The syndrome is usually self-resolving after several days. The central clinical problem is early detection of the syndrome.