Fat embolism syndrome due to bilateral intramedullary nailing of tibia

Fat embolism syndrome is commonly encountered after long bone and hip fractures. Postoperatively it may be encountered after intramedullary nailing of long bones and pelvicarthropksties. We report a case involving a 17 year old girl who had both tibial bone fractures and underwent intramedullary nailing with vascular repair and developed fat embolism with lung infiltrates requiring non-invasive ventilation. We also review relevant literature and describe criteria required to diagnose fat embolism syndrome