Femoral Fracture

(Femur Fracture; Thigh Bone Fracture; Broken Leg)

by Cynthia M. Johnson, MA

Definition

A femoral fracture is a break in the thigh bone. It runs from the hip to the knee.

Femoral Fracture

Causes

This injury is caused by trauma from:

A motor vehicle accident
Falls
A blow
Gunshot wounds
Stress on a weakened bone

Risk Factors

Things that may raise the risk are:

Having a health problem that may result in falls, such as weak muscles
Playing contact sports, such as football
Playing sports that require repetitive motion, such as running
Being around violence

Symptoms

Symptoms may be:

Pain and swelling
Problems standing or moving
Changes in the way the leg looks

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about symptoms, past health, and injury. An exam will be done, focusing on your leg. A diagnosis may be made based on appearance.X-rays or CT scan may be needed to see how severe the break is or if soft tissue was injured.

Treatment

It will take 4 to 6 months to heal. Most people will need surgery. The surgery is often done within 1 to 2 days. The bone is attached to powerful muscles and may need support to keep the bone pieces in place. Long pins, plates, or screws can help support the bone as it heals.

External fixation may also be needed for severe breaks. It uses metal bars and screws outside of the body to help keep bones stable. The device will be removed as the bone heals.

Movement

Early movement can decrease risk of problems and speed healing. Bearing weight on the leg will depend on how severe fracture is and what support has been attached to the bone. The surgeon will make a schedule for activity. Walkers or crutches may be needed.

Muscles weakness and imbalance are common after a femur fracture. Physical therapy may help regain strength and movement.

Children's bones have growth plates that let bones grow and harden with age. A child with a fracture may need to be checked over time to make sure the bone heals the right way and keeps growing.

Prevention

Most fractures are due to accidents. Always wear a seatbelt.

Healthy bones and muscles may also prevent injury. This may be done through diet and exercise.

RESOURCES:

American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine
http://www.sportsmed.org

Ortho Info—American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
http://www.orthoinfo.org

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

Canadian Orthopaedic Association
http://www.coa-aco.org

Canadian Orthopaedic Foundation
http://www.canorth.org

References:

Femoral shaft fracture—emergency management. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/management/femoral-shaft-fracture-emergency-management. Accessed September 24, 2020.

Femoral stress fracture. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/femoral-stress-fracture. Accessed September 24, 2020.

Femur shaft fractures (broken thighbone). Ortho Info—American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Accessed September 24, 2020.

Tins BJ, Garton M, et al. Stress fracture of the pelvis and lower limbs including atypical femoral fractures-a review. Insights Imaging. 2015 Feb;6(1):97-110.

Last reviewed September 2020 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Warren A. Bodine, DO, CAQSM
Last Updated: 8/21/2020

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