For those treated conservatively with immobilisation of long bone fractures, the incidence of<unk>  is 22%. Early operative fixation of long bone fractures can reduce the incidence of<unk>  especially with the usage of internal fixation devices. Patients undergoing urgent fixation of long bone fractures has a rate of 7% of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) when compared to those undergoing fixation after 24 hours (39% with ARDS). However, movement of the fracture ends of the long bones during the operative fixation can cause transient increase of<unk>  emboli in the blood circulation. Cytokines are persistently elevated if the long bone fractures is treated conservatively using immobilisation. The cytokine levels would return to normal after operative fixation. Although ream nailing increases pressure in the medullary cavity of the long bones, it does not increase the rates of<unk> . Other methods such as drilling of holes in the bony cortex, lavaging bone marrow prior to fixation, and the use of tourniquets to prevent embolisation have not been shown to reduce the rates of<unk> . Corticosteroid therapy such as methylprednisolone (6 to 90 mg/kg) has been proposed for the treatment of<unk> , however, it is controversial. Corticosteroid can be used to limit free<unk> ty acid levels, stabilising membranes, and inhibit leukocyte aggregation. A meta-analysis conducted in 2009 reported prophylactic corticosteroids can reduce the risk of<unk>  by 77%. However, there is no difference in mortality, infection, and avascular necrosis when compared to the control group. However, a randomised trial conducted in 2004 reported no differences in<unk>  incidence when comparing treatment with the control group. Administration of corticosteroids for 2 to 3 days is not associated with increased rates of infection. However, there is insufficient data to support the use of methyprednisolone once<unk>  is established. Heparin has been used in the prevention of venous thrombosis in post-operative patients; however its regular use in those with<unk>  has been contraindicated due to increase risk of bleeding in those suffering from polytrauma. Placement of inferior vena cava filters has been proposed to reduce the amount of emboli going into the lung vascular system, however, this method has not been studied in detail.
Fat embolism syndrome
Pulmonary embolism
COACH syndrome
Pneumonia
Wooden chest syndrome
Acute chest syndrome
Inferior vena cava syndrome
Aspiration pneumonia