Idiopathic soft tissue calcification in an extremity: a case report

We report a case of a-15-days-old infant presenting with firm palpable thickening of the left leg soft tissues along with induration. Radiographs of the leg revealed generalized calcification of soft tissues. No obvious underlying cause could be identified for tissue calcification and hence termed as Idiopathic calcinois cutis. There are reports of this condition in Pediatric and Dermatology literature, but very few reports in orthopedic literature. The aim of this report is to highlight the pathogenesis, course and review of literature of this relatively uncommon condition which can easily be mistaken by Orthopedic or General Surgeons for infective bony of soft tissue infection

Fat embolism syndrome

Nearly all patients following fractures of bones develop sub-clinical form of fat embolism but the classical form of fat embolism syndrome [FES] presents with triad of respiratory, neurologic and dermal manifestations. Non-traumatic conditions can also have fat embolism, but the incidence is very low. The diagnosis is mainly clinical supported by laboratory and radiological finding. Treatment is mainly supportive with early stabilization of fractured bones. In most cases, prognosis is good if the condition is detected and treated early. High index of suspicion in polytrauma patient is the key to early diagnosis of this condition. This report describes two cases of FES, the second case being fulminant fat embolism with added mortality