Fat embolism syndrome before surgical treatment of open tibial and fibular shaft fracture: a case report

Kareem S. Khalil; Samah A. Ibrahim; Nada A. Yakout

doi:10.18203/issn.2455-4510.IntJResOrthop20251818

Authors

Kareem S. Khalil Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Al- Qassimi Hospital, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
Samah A. Ibrahim Al- Qassimi Hospital, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates https://orcid.org/0009-0007-1170-6681
Nada A. Yakout Al- Qassimi Hospital, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/issn.2455-4510.IntJResOrthop20251818

Keywords:

Fat embolism syndrome, Cerebral fat embolism, Tibial fracture, Neurological deterioration, Diffusion-weighted MRI, Orthopedic trauma

Abstract

A 26-year-old male with no significant medical history sustained open fractures of the left tibia and fibula following a workplace accident. Initially alert and stable, he developed sudden neurological deterioration (GCS 9/15) 10 hours post-injury, without respiratory compromise or cutaneous signs. CT was unremarkable; diffusion-weighted MRI revealed widespread acute cerebral infarcts. No intracardiac shunt was found on echocardiography. Supportive care led to gradual neurological improvement, and successful surgical fixation followed. Isolated cerebral fat embolism can precede orthopedic intervention and present without classic signs. Early neuroimaging and high clinical vigilance are crucial for prompt diagnosis and management.

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