Femoral Fracture(Femur Fracture; Thigh Bone Fracture; Broken Leg)
by
Cynthia M. Johnson, MA DefinitionA femoral fracture is a break in the thigh bone. It runs from the hip to the knee.
CausesThis injury is caused by trauma from:
Risk FactorsThings that may raise the risk are:
SymptomsSymptoms may be:
DiagnosisThe doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. You will be asked how the injury happened. An exam will be done, focusing on your leg. Images may be taken of the break. This can be done with: TreatmentIt will take four to six months to heal. Most people will need surgery. The doctor will need to put these pieces back into place. This may be done:
Supportive CareThe goals of treatment are to manage pain and support the bone as it heals. This may include:
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. PreventionMost 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.dyname.... Accessed September 24, 2019.
Femoral stress fracture. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
https://www.dynamed.com/condition/femoral-stress-fracture. Updated May 3, 2018. Accessed September 24, 2019.
Femur shaft fractures (broken thighbone). Ortho Info—American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Updated May 2018. Accessed September 24, 2019. 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 2019 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Warren A. Bodine, DO, CAQSM Last Updated: 8/21/2020 |
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