Femur Bone: Fixing a Broken Femur

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The femur is the thigh bone; located at the top of the leg it is the longest and strongest bone in the body. Breaking the femur is usually the result of an extreme trauma, as considerable force is required for this bone to break.

Bone fractures may be caused by a fall, an accident, a condition such as osteoporosis or other bone-weakening diseases.

The type of fracture will determine the method of repairing the break and the subsequent treatment necessary. A complete break refers to a situation where the bone is broken the entire way through. A partial break is classified as an incomplete break. Greenstick is another name for an incomplete break, commonly seen in children’s bone fractures. The fracture is also determined as closed, simple or open, or compound; this is in relation to whether the skin is unaffected, or if there is a rupture in the skin making the bone visible. A fracture might occur in one place in the bone or multiple fractures might have taken place.

As soon as a fracture is suspected it is essential to seek medical help immediately. The affected area should not be moved in order to avoid further injury and additional complications.

An orthopedic surgeon is the medical expert in the field of skeletal issues and is consulted to determine the nature of the bone fracture. He or she will assess the severity of the fracture, checking whether it is open, complete, single or multiple. The surrounding soft tissue area is likewise checked to assess injury. The age, health and medical history of the patient will also be assessed.

Following a physical examination of the fracture, X-rays are taken. A CT scan, MRI or bone scan may also be required. If the skin has opened and it appears blood has been lost, blood tests are taken to clarify the level of blood loss as well as possible infection.

The orthopedic surgeon may require any swelling to go down prior to placing the leg in a cast. Anti-inflammatory and analgesic medication may be given to reduce swelling and lessen pain.

When the femur has broken in a severe way the patient may need to undergo surgery. The surgery, called open reduction, is performed in order to repair the fractured bone.

In the case of a very serious fracture or multiple fractures the surgeon may use internal devices which help to keep the bone in place during the healing process. These internal devices are also used if bone needs to be replaced. Open reduction and internal fixation is the full title given to this type of surgery.

The internal devices may include screws, rods or metal plates. The surgeon utilizes a type of rod which is inserted through the center of the bone by use of a large nail. The rod acts as a supportive mechanism. A metal plate may also be placed next to the fractured bone to hold the bone firmly in place as the fracture heals. Screws are used to attach the metal plate to a frame positioned outside the leg.

A bone graft may be done if bone has been lost. This involves the surgeon taking healthy bone from another part of the body to fill in the required area of bone in the fractured area.

Factors regarding length of healing time and after-surgery treatment are dependent upon the nature of the break and the health of the patient. When the fracture is severe or open, or when the surrounding tissues have been injured, this clearly requires more intensive care and recovery time. If nerves or blood vessels have been affected this too plays a part in the road to healing. Generally a period of three to six months is normal as a recovery time span. Following the hospital surgery and convalescent time, patients can usually move home to recover there.

Physical therapy and its timing and frequency is prescribed depending on the nature of the injury and the medical health status and age of the patient. When rods and pins have been inserted during the surgery procedure, these are removed during a second, later surgery in most instances.

Resource by A.Moore

I just moved to Michigan from South Carolina. This is my first winter here and so far it's freezing. I enjoy traveling, drawing, camping, writing, and doing community service in my spare time. I work for a education company and help them with their outreach to teachers and students. Hope everyone enjoys my articles.

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