Fat embolism and death during prophylactic osteosynthesis of a metastatic femur using an unreamed femoral nail.

摘要: Summary: We report a case of cardiovascular collapse and death occuring intraoperatively during the prophylactic nailing metastatic femur using an unreamed femoral nail. The cause death, as documented by autopsy, was massive fat embolism. risk embolism while performing intramedullary is well known has been linked to process medullary reaming. Unreamed interlocking nails recently have become available. Although recent reports in literature concluded that appears less likely implants, surgeon should carefully consider indications for any type fixation, particularly when dealing with unbroken femurs exhibiting impending pathologic fracture, or preexisting pulmonary disease such metastasis present.