Korean J Anesthesiol.  1998 Feb;34(2):457-460. 10.4097/kjae.1998.34.2.457.

Fat Embolism after Bilateral Total Knee Replacement Arthroplasty: A case report

• Hong MJ
• Kim YJ
• Park HH
• Kang SH

• KMID: 2236894
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4097/kjae.1998.34.2.457

Abstract

Fat embolism is a significant complication following total joint arthroplasty. Fat embolism syndrome has both pulmonary and neurologic manifestations that can be life threatening. But, with appropriate fluid management, adequate ventilation, and the prevention of hypoxemia, outcome is usually excellent. We experienced fat embolism following bilateral total knee replacement. A 65-year-old woman had a surgery under general anesthesia. There was no specific anesthetic problems during the operation. After bilateral tourniquet release, O2 saturation decreased to 85% and neurologic symptom was developed. With adequate supportive treatment including mechanical ventilation, she was cured without complication.

Keyword

Embolism: fat; Surgery: total knee arthroplasty

MeSH Terms

Aged
Anesthesia, General
Anoxia
Arthroplasty*
Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee*
Embolism, Fat*
Female
Humans
Joints
Neurologic Manifestations
Respiration, Artificial
Tourniquets
Ventilation