Glossary term
Pulmonary embolism
A blood clot that travels to and blocks an artery in the lungs.
Definition
A condition in which a blood clot (usually originating from a DVT in the leg) travels through the bloodstream and lodges in the pulmonary arteries of the lungs. A medical emergency requiring immediate treatment.
Aliases
PE
Updated 2026-03-01
Sources
- Stature Lengthening Complications — Paley Orthopedic & Spine Instituteofficial_publicAccessed 2026-02-28
Peroneal nerve most common nerve at risk. Rate control is most important factor. Motor symptoms require decompression ASAP. Premature consolidation recognized by inability to distract.
- Limb Lengthening Surgery: Procedure, Process & Recovery — Cleveland Clinicofficial_publicAccessed 2026-02-28
When to call: numbness/tingling, blood/pus drainage, chest pain/shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting, fever.
- Limb lengthening and reconstruction: Possible complications — AboutKidsHealth / SickKidsofficial_publicAccessed 2026-02-28
Contact team if fever >38.5°C, pain/warmth/swelling at pin site, trouble moving or feeling limb. DVT <1%. Compartment syndrome requires urgent fasciotomy. CRPS rare but possible.
Informational only. Not medical advice.