Fatal Pulmonary Thromboembolism Following Cast Immobilization of Fibular Shaft Fracture.
- Author:
Joo Young NA
1
;
Byung Woo MIN
;
Seung Hyun CHUNG
;
Mi Yeon KIM
;
Young Jik LEE
;
Jong Tae PARK
;
Hyung Seok KIM
Author Information
1. Department of the Forensic Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwang-ju, Korea. jtpark@jnu.ac.kr
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords:
pulmonary thromboembolism;
fibular shaft fracture;
cast immobilization
- MeSH:
Adult;
Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight;
Humans;
Immobilization;
Orthopedics;
Pulmonary Embolism;
Venous Thromboembolism
- From:Korean Journal of Legal Medicine
2010;34(2):133-135
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) is one of the most common and dangerous complications in orthopedic surgery. We experienced a fatal PTE in a 29-year-old man who had a simple fibular shaft fracture and cast immobilization for about one month. Despite simple fibular shaft fracture in patient with low risk for venous thromboembolism (VTE), a terrible outcome occurred. During immobilization, thromboprophylaxis such as low molecular weight heparin should be always considered. We report a rare case of PTE after simple fibular shaft fracture.
