Definition Incidence/Mortality Estimated to occur in 3-10% of orthopedic trauma patients. Mortality is 10-20% Pathophysiology Theory #1 (mechanical): large fat droplets are released into the venous system. These droplets are deposited in the pulmonary capillary beds and travel through arteriovenous shunts to the brain. Microvascular lodging of droplets produces local ischemia and inflammation, with concomitant […]