Fatal complication of femoral elongation in an achondroplastic dwarf. A case report.
Excessive elongation of both femora in a 12-year-old achondroplastic dwarf resulted in fixed extension and contracture of both knees. An attempt to shorten these overly elongated femora surgically was complicated by the unanticipated release of massive fat emboli, which resulted in the patient's death.
D000130:Achondroplasia / Q000628:therapy*; D001852:Bone Lengthening / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002648:Child; D004620:Embolism, Fat / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male