Fat embolism syndrome after surgery to replace the femoral stem of a hip prosthesis

A 66-year-old woman developed hemodynamic instability, oliguria, prostration, fever, and coagulopathy 4 hours after surgery to replace the femoral stem component of a hip prosthesis under a combined subarachnoid-epidural block. Dyspnea and tachypnea developed, and a petechial rash appeared 24 hours later. The diagnosis was fat embolism after other possible causes were ruled out. Supplementary oxygen, fluid replacement therapy, and inotropic support were started. The patient's condition improved and she was discharged from the postoperative recovery unit 5 days after admission. Although fat embolism usually appears in young men after large bone fractures, it should be considered when symptoms consistent with this diagnosis arise in patients who have undergone orthopedic surgery so that appropriate treatment can be started early.