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VOLUME 3 , ISSUE 2 ( July-December, 2018 ) > List of Articles

CASE REPORT

Fat Embolism Syndrome in a Patient who Underwent Unilateral Total Knee Replacement

Vaishali S Kulkarni

Keywords : Fat embolism syndrome, Local anesthetics, Total knee replacement, Pulmonary embolism

Citation Information : Kulkarni VS. Fat Embolism Syndrome in a Patient who Underwent Unilateral Total Knee Replacement. Res Inno Anesth 2018; 3 (2):56-59.

DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10049-0051

License: CC BY-NC 4.0

Published Online: 01-06-2019

Copyright Statement:  Copyright © 2018; The Author(s).


Abstract

Fat embolism syndrome (FES) is known to be relatively common in cases of multiple traumatic fractures; it is rare in cases of total knee arthroplasty. We describe a case of a 61-year-old female who underwent unilateral total knee arthroplasty, 5 hours later she developed slurring of speech, disorientation subsequently desaturated, requiring intubation. The clinical diagnosis of fat embolism syndrome was made by criteria of exclusion. Fat embolism syndrome can occur unexpectedly in elective reconstructive orthopedic procedures. One should have a high degree of clinical suspicion of fat embolism syndrome when a patient deteriorates perioperatively. The treatment is primarily supportive.


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