Fat embolism among patients with hip and long bone fractures in Albania.

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the incidence and the effectiveness of treatment of fat embolism in patients with hip and long bone fractures (femur and tibia) in Albania.

Methods: 229 patients (68% men) with combined hip and long bone fractures (femur and tibia) hospitalized at the Orthopedics-Traumatology Services of the University Center "Mother Teresa" during 2004-2006 were included in the study. Patients were classified into three groups based on astrupogram data: PaO2<60mmHg, 65mmHg75mmHg.