Fatal marrow emboli in a pediatric patient having posterior spinal instrumentation for scoliosis repair.

This report describes the intraoperative course of a pediatric patient with neuromuscular scoliosis who died of massive fat and marrow emboli during posterior instrumentation for scoliosis surgery. In addition, the report describes the incidence and consequences of embolic events during spine surgery as well as the most common clinical sequelae. This patient's unique presentation is highlighted.