Risk Stratification Algorithm for Orthopedic Trauma Patients at Risk for Fat Embolism Syndrome

Background Fat embolism syndrome (FES) is commonly reported in the setting of long bone and pelvic fractures, but the etiology and pathogenesis are unclear. The aim of this study was to identify clinical characteristics and laboratory findings that may place orthopedic trauma patients at a higher ri...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:	Indian journal of orthopaedics 2021-08, Vol.55 (4), p.879-885
Main Authors:	Lowery, Andrew, Naran, Vineet, Ames, Robert, Patel, Akul, Ramsey, Frederick, Slattery, Bridget, Pazionis, Theresa
Format:	Article
Language:	eng
Subjects:	Conservative Orthopedics Medicine Medicine & Public Health Original Original Article Orthopedics Surgical Orthopedics
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Summary:	Background Fat embolism syndrome (FES) is commonly reported in the setting of long bone and pelvic fractures, but the etiology and pathogenesis are unclear. The aim of this study was to identify clinical characteristics and laboratory findings that may place orthopedic trauma patients at a higher risk of developing FES. Methods Electronic medical records were reviewed of all patients aged 18–89 years from 2015 to 2020 with a mention of FES in the patient chart who met Gurd and Wilson’s criteria for diagnosis after experiencing orthopedic trauma. A 3:1 matched pair analysis was performed between FES patients and those with similar age, gender, and FES-associated fracture (femur, tibia, humerus, or pelvis fracture). Results 18 patients with FES who met inclusion criteria were identified. Hypomagnesemia (OR = 7.43), hyperphosphatemia (OR = 6.24), hypoalbuminemia (OR = 3.78), blunt traumatic mechanism of injury (OR = 7.16) and a greater number of bones fractured (Avg/SD = 2.89/1.53) were seen more often in FES patients (all p -values
ISSN:	0019-5413 1998-3727