A Study on Fundus Changes Seen in Long Bone Fractures

Patients with long bone fractures are at risk of Fat Embolism Syndrome (FES). The aim of this study is to assess and compare the association of retinal changes seen in long bone fractures and its correlation to occurrence of FES in patients who had visible retinal changes. Fundus examination with direct ophthalmoscope (bed side) was recorded for 58 patients with long bone fracture. Fundus changes were seen in 2 out of the 58 patients examined who eventually treated for FES. Through this study we came to conclusion that regular screening for fundus changes in patients with long bone fractures should be conducted to prevent a life threatening condition like fat embolic syndrome (FES). While we cant conclude that retinal changes would guarantee the occurrence of FES its a low cost method that can help in early diagnosis and morbidity caused due to fat embolism syndrome.