PubMed · 4950028
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F Hampson. 1970. Fat embolism.. https://doi.org/10.1136/jcp.s3-4.1.121
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Since it was initially described, fat embolism syndrome (FES) has remained one of the least clearly understood complications of trauma. This article is a review of the classic and current literature on FES with regard to its causes, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment. FES is associated with many traumatic and nontraumatic conditions, but is most commonly associated with fractures of long bones of the lower extremity. The pathophysiology is thought to be a cascade of events which can lead to adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Signs and symptoms of clinical FES usually begin within 24 to 48 hours after trauma. The classic triad involves pulmonary changes, cerebral dysfunction, and petechial rash. Clinical diagnosis is key because laboratory and roentgenographic diagnosis is not specific. Treatment consists of careful initial handling, early stabilization of fractures, careful volume replacement, analgesia, respiratory support, and perhaps steroids. The vast majority of patients today survive FES without sequelae.
Today intramedullary nailing is the treatment of choice in stabilizing femoral and tibial diaphysial fractures because of its superior bone healing compared to other forms of osteosyntheses. By interlocking, the indication can be extended to all fractures in which interlocking bolts can be fixed in the proximal and distal main fragment. Küntscher's principle of elastic clamp has changed to intramedullary splinting. With that method reaming is limited to a few reaming processes, and unreamed nailing has become possible. Today implants start at a diameter of 9 mm. The diameter of implants of all manufacturers is less than a few years ago. Since the importance of embolization by increasing the intramedullary pressure as a result of reaming is accepted, the question arises concerning the clinical relevance of embolization if reaming is restricted and unreamed nails are applied. In our own investigations, relevant intravasation of bone marrow content appeared only in reamed femoral nailing. The bone marrow cavity of the tibia is smaller, the configuration of the tibia allows more back-streaming of the content, and the venous drainage system in the distal tibia is much less extensive than in the supracondylar area. All pulmonary complications in the literature are reported after nailing of femoral fractures. Therefore, systemic complications in intramedullary nailing are only a problem in femoral fractures. The pathophysiological connection between intramedullary pressure increases and pulmonary impairment is not clarified in detail. Relevant content of the bone marrow cavity is not only bone marrow, but also the blood with which the marrow cavity is refilled after each reaming process and which passes into the circulation during the following reaming. This blood is activated concerning coagulation. By reaming, the pathogenic content of the bone marrow cavity is embolized, which can become clinically relevant if cofactors are present. Cofactors are volume deficit, shock, lung contusion and pre-existing pulmonary impairment. These conditions can never be excluded before primary stabilization after trauma. Today the importance of systemic complications during unreamed nailing is controversial. Our experimental and echocardiographic investigations clearly show that the velocity of the nail into the bone marrow cavity and the gap between the nail and cortical bone at the entrance in the distal fragment determine the amount of embolized material. By carefully inserting the nail and choosing thin nails with a correct length, which can gain stability by fixation in the condylar area and not by clamping in the distal fragment, echocardiography reveals only minimal embolization. Therefore unreamed nailing is the treatment of choice, if the situation of the patient allows the procedure of nailing in itself. Multitrauma patients in shock or with unstable circulation should be stabilized primarily with external fixation. After consolidation, early change to an intramedullary nail should be performed.
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