Fatal marrow embolization following a porous-coated bipolar hip endoprosthesis

Abstract

Fat embolization syndrome is a well-known complication associated with total hip arthroplasty. It is believed to be caused by high intramedullary pressures that occur during cement pressurization and femoral stem placement. Fat embolization syndrome has also been reported with intramedullary reaming and placement of an intramedullary alignment guide during total knee arthroplasty. To our knowledge, there have not been previous reports of fatal fat emboli as a result of uncemented hip arthroplasty. The purpose of this case report is to describe a fatality due to fat embolization following a noncemented bipolar arthroplasty.