Fat Embolism Syndrome Complicated by Diffuse Alveolar Hemorrhage After a Minimally Displaced Tibia Fracture: A Case Report.

Case: A 26-year-old man with a minimally displaced tibial shaft fracture after an all-terrain vehicle crush injury rapidly developed fat embolism syndrome (FES), leading to diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (DAH) preoperatively. He was treated with an intramedullary rod 10 days after injury after a complicated clinical course and went on to full union with no long-term mental or systemic sequelae.

Conclusions: FES is a known complication of long bone fractures, frequently presenting with hypoxemia.