Abstract
We encountered three cases of young sportsmen developing fat embolism syndrome (FES)
after sustaining isolated tibial shaft fractures whilst playing football. All fractures
were treated with intra-medullary nails and all three patients were kept nil-by-mouth
pre-operatively without intravenous fluids.
Correction of shock is often quoted as an important factor in the prevention of FES.
However, animal studies have shown that dehydration, as opposed to hypovolaemia, may
also be of great importance. We therefore examined the specific gravity of the urine
of 20 patients with musculoskeletal injuries sustained during sport. The mean urinary
specific gravity was significantly higher than that of a control group of 10 members
of staff.
We emphasise the importance of adequate pre-operative rehydration, especially if injuries
were sustained during heavy exercise, as this may reduce the risk of developing FES.
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Noakes TD. Personal communication.
Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
December 6,
2001
Identification
Copyright
© 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
