Abstract
Fat embolism syndrome (FES) is a life-threatening complication that occurs after fractures, and is commonly associated with fractures of long-bones or the pelvis. In this paper, we documented a patient who developed FES during the operation for a femoral shaft fracture. The patient was a 52-year-old male. He was referred to our hospital because of multiple trauma including a right femoral shaft fracture, cerebral contusion and respiratory distress. The FES occurred following internal fixation for the femoral shaft fracture using an unreamed femoral nail, and the patient died despite every effort. The diagnosis of FES was confirmed by autopsy. In spite of early stabilization of fractures and the use of an unreamed nail, which was recommended to prevent FES, we could not prevent FES in this case. This suggests that special attention should be paid to FES.
