Fat embolism syndrome epidemiology and demographics

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Feham Tariq, MD [2]

The exact incidence of FES is unknown and is estimated to be of <1% to >30% of all trauma cases. It commonly affects individuals 10-40 years of age. Fat embolism syndrome more commonly affects men more than women.

• The exact incidence of FES is unknown.
• The estimated annual incidence of FES in the orthopedic and trauma literature, has ranged from <1% to >30% of cases.
• This varying incidence is attributed due to difference in the diagnostic criteria employed.

• The incidence of fat embolism syndrome increases with age.
• It commonly affects individuals 10-40 years of age.^[1]

• There is no racial predilection to fat embolism syndrome.

• Fat embolism syndrome more commonly affects men more than women.