Case report:

“Patient had cemented hemiarthroplasty of left hip under spinal anaesthetic… Patient’s surgery was delayed initially as unstable with fast AF and hypotension. This was an appropriate delay and decreased risk but although patient then had a straight forward anaesthetic and surgery, they had a cardiac arrest at the end of the procedure. Their output returned following resuscitation but following discussion with the family, it was decided to withdraw treatment in view of advanced age and patient’s wishes. There was full discussion with the relatives who were able to see the patient before they died even though in theatre, demonstrating excellent end of life care. Post mortem revealed a fat embolus which is a rare but known complication of fractures femur and could not have been avoided.”

Commentary:

As so often seen in this publication, a reminder of the frailty of patients that present for this type of surgery