Femoral Shaft Fracture in Klippel–Trenaunay–Weber Syndrome Patients – What to Do to Reduce Bleeding Risk: A Case Report

Abstract

A fracture of the affected extremity in patients with Klippel–Trenaunay–Weber syndrome can be fatal due to massive bleeding and show poor results. A 42-year-old male presented with an old fracture of the right femoral shaft with metal failure. We planned an operation to remove the previously fixed plate and to perform re-fixation using an intra-medullary nail. Preoperative angiography was performed and the arteriovenous malformations were embolized in order to reduce the risk of bleeding. After angiography, the previously fixed plate was removed. After the operation, a second angiography was performed immediately and the venous malformation was embolized. One week after the first operation, a second operation was performed in order to reduce the fracture and to perform re-fixation using an intramedullary nail. The patient is being followed without major complication over a period of seven years after surgery. We recommend careful planning of preoperative and postoperative angiography and embolization in order to reduce the risk of bleeding in patients with Klippel–Trenaunay–Weber syndrome.