Severe fracture complications in myelodysplasia.

Prevention of fractures in the patient with myelodysplasia is aided by minimizing disuse osteoporosis by continuing weight-bearing whenever possible. The presentation and treatment of lower extremity fractures in the postoperative myelodysplasic patient have been reviewed. After these fractures severe systemic dysfunction can occur. A clinical situation involving hypovolemia and suggestive of fat embolism has responded well to immobilization in the posterior half of the spica cast and to fluid replacement.