Fatal fat embolism in isolated vertebral compression fracture.
case_report · Level V
Where this comes from
- Record sourced from PubMed, PMID 20229119.
- Also identified by DOI 10.1007/s00586-010-1367-0 and PMC identifier 2899650.
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Abstract
Fat embolism after long bone and pelvic fractures as well as orthopedic interventions is a well-documented phenomenon, but it is highly unusual after isolated vertebral fractures. We report a case of fatal fat embolism in a 78-year-old man after an isolated vertebral compression fracture with no related orthopedic intervention. A high index of suspicion is necessary for early diagnosis and successfully treating this unusual complication.
Medical subject headings
- Embolism, Fat
- Fractures, Compression
- Lung
- Thoracic Vertebrae
Anatomy
- thoracic spine