Case: Here, we present the case of a pediatric polytrauma patient found to have lower extremity intra-arterial fat embolism causing ischemic necrosis and ultimately necessitating below-the-knee amputation.

Conclusion: Fat embolism, a common complication of long bone fractures in adults, can be associated with significant morbidity. Although rare, it should be considered among the possible etiologies for a pulseless limb after trauma. Early fracture stabilization may prevent fat embolism and fat embolism syndrome; however, there is no known definitive treatment, and management is supportive.

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http://dx.doi.org/10.2106/JBJS.CC.20.00485DOI Listing

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