HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

What Are The Chances Of Blood Clots Formation Post Long Bone Fracture?

default
Posted on Thu, 9 Oct 2014
Question: My brother broke his femur yesterday in a spiral fracture, which required placement of a rod. He is 3,000 miles away from home, however, and his doctor said he could fly home on Sunday (surgery was Thursday night) with a course of coumadin. I am worried about blood clots and, possibly, the breaking off of marrow flakes into the bloodstream.

Sound safe? Any tips?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (35 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Fat embolism can not be predicted

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I have studied your case and I can understand your concern. Fat embolism is such a dangerous issue with long bone fractures, especially in young people.

I would recommend following:
1. He will need oxygen, when he is coming by plane.
2. Keep steroid injections ready.
3. The fracture should be splinted well, less movement at fracture site, less chances of fat embolism.
4. I am not sure if Coumadin is right drug for prevention as it is slow acting drug, so its full therapeutic effect will not come in two or three days.

So your brother can take a flight with all above mentioned measures. I wish him safe journey. Let me know if there is any other followup question is there.
Thanks
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma

Orthopaedic Surgeon, Joint Replacement

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 4486 Questions

Ask me a question
premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Ask an Orthopaedic Surgeon
Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
backtotop2
What Are The Chances Of Blood Clots Formation Post Long Bone Fracture?

Brief Answer: Fat embolism can not be predicted Detailed Answer: Hello, I have studied your case and I can understand your concern. Fat embolism is such a dangerous issue with long bone fractures, especially in young people. I would recommend following: 1. He will need oxygen, when he is coming by plane. 2. Keep steroid injections ready. 3. The fracture should be splinted well, less movement at fracture site, less chances of fat embolism. 4. I am not sure if Coumadin is right drug for prevention as it is slow acting drug, so its full therapeutic effect will not come in two or three days. So your brother can take a flight with all above mentioned measures. I wish him safe journey. Let me know if there is any other followup question is there. Thanks