Fat emboli syndrome in isolated fractures of the tibia and femur.

The fat emboli syndrome (FES) was studied in otherwise healthy young skiers with isolated fractures of the tibia and femur treated from 1980 until 1991. During the first year, 13 of 56 tibial and femoral fractures developed FES. The overall incidence of FES was 23%: 19% among fractured tibiae and 75% among fractured femora. Thirty-three percent of displaced transverse tibial fractures developed FES. During the next ten year, only those tibial or femoral fractures that developed FES were studied. There were 44 such cases. Symptoms included a mean PO2 of 45 mm Hg and a fever of 39 degrees. In addition, 40% of the patients had petechiae. The mean patient age was 26 years. None of the patients had other significant injuries or illnesses, 75% received oxygen, and 9% received steroids. None of the patients received mechanical ventilation. All cases had developed by the third day of hospitalization, and the duration of the syndrome was less than four days in 86% of the patients. The mortality rate was 0%. In 50% of the patients, hospitalization was prolonged because of FES; otherwise, there were no complications. This study of isolated femoral and tibial fractures in healthy young skiers demonstrates that FES occurs more commonly than previously thought, is not associated with mortality, and causes little morbidity. Treatment should consist of supportive care only, with specific care directed toward the underlying injury.