A study on internal fixation for long bone fractures in polytraumatized patients with fat embolism syndrome / 中华创伤骨科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To study method and timing of internal fixation for long bone fractures in polytraumatized patients with fat embolism syndrome (FES). Methods Twenty-eight cases of polytraumatized patients with FES received internal fixation for their long bone fractures in our hospital from January 1990 to August 2004. The method and timing of internal fixation were analyzed retrospectively. The long bone fractures in 27 cases were treated 5 to 7 days after their clinic FES symptoms disappeared, while one fracture was treated five days after the FES symptoms were relieved and the vital signs became stable. Eleven cases of long bone fracture were treated with open fixation by unreamed or slightly reamed intramedullary nailing while 27 cases were fixated with plate internally. Results Of the 27 patients who received open reduction and internal fixation for their fractures 5 to 7 days after disappearance of FES symptoms, 22 cases experienced no postoperative complications but fever and quickened pulse reoccurred in five cases after the first osteosynthesis. However, FES-like symptoms reoccurred in the one case who received the first operation when FES did not disappear. Conclusions Internal fixation by plate and intramedullary nailing without reaming are safe for polytraumatized patients with FES and long bone fractures. Proper timing of the first surgery for this kind of patient should be 5 to 7 days after the disappearance of FES.