Fatal pulmonary embolization after reaming of the femoral medullary cavity in sclerosing osteomyelitis: a case report

Abstract

Reaming of the medullary may be used in cases of sclerosing osteomyelitis (type Garré), refractory to other methods. We report a case of fatal intraoperative complication related to this procedure. An otherwise healthy young patient died during reaming using a machine-driven reamer of the femoral medullary canal due to pulmonary bone embolism. The technique and the indication for this procedure as well as the intraoperative monitoring options are discussed.