Femur Fracture: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

What is a Femur Fracture?

The femur is a crucial bone for maintaining leg strength and mobility. A femur fracture occurs when the bone is subjected to more force than it can handle, leading to a break. These fractures can be complex, depending on the location of the break, whether it is displaced (bones are out of alignment), and whether the fracture involves nearby muscles or ligaments.

Causes of a Femur Fracture

Femur fractures are often caused by high-energy trauma or forceful impact. Common causes include:

• Motor Vehicle Accidents: High-speed collisions can generate enough force to fracture the femur, often involving direct impact to the leg.

• Falls from Heights: Falling from a great height, such as in construction accidents, can result in femur fractures due to the intense force.

• Sports Injuries: High-contact sports (e.g., football, rugby) and accidents during skiing or cycling can lead to femur fractures.

• Direct Blows: A direct strike to the thigh, often from a blunt object or during a fall, can cause a fracture.

• Osteoporosis or Bone Disease: In older adults or people with weakened bones (e.g., from osteoporosis), even minor trauma may lead to a femur fracture.

• Repetitive Stress: Overuse injuries, such as stress fractures, can develop from prolonged, repetitive activities like running or jumping, especially if there is pre-existing bone weakness.

Symptoms of a Femur Fracture

The severity and specific symptoms of a femur fracture depend on the location and type of the break. However, common symptoms include:

• Severe Pain: Intense pain in the thigh, especially when attempting to move or bear weight on the leg.

• Swelling and Bruising: Swelling and visible bruising may occur in the upper leg or thigh area.

• Deformity: If the fracture is displaced, the leg may appear bent, misshapen, or shorter than the unaffected leg.

• Inability to Move the Leg: Difficulty in moving or bending the knee or hip.

• Pain when Touching the Leg: Tenderness over the fracture site that is aggravated by touch or movement.

• Numbness or Tingling: In some cases, nerves or blood vessels may be damaged, causing abnormal sensations in the leg or foot.

Types of Femur Fractures

Femur fractures can occur in different locations, with each type requiring specific treatment approaches. The primary classifications of femur fractures include:

1. Proximal Femur Fractures: These occur near the hip joint, involving the upper portion of the femur. Subtypes include:

   • Intertrochanteric Fracture: A fracture between the greater and lesser trochanters (bumps at the top of the femur).

   • Femoral Neck Fracture: A break near the hip joint, potentially involving the ball of the hip joint (femoral head), and can disrupt blood flow to the hip.

2. Shaft Fractures: These fractures occur in the long middle portion of the femur and can be caused by high-energy trauma.

   • Transverse Fracture: A horizontal break across the femoral shaft.

   • Spiral Fracture: A twisted fracture, often resulting from a twisting motion of the leg.

   • Comminuted Fracture: The femur is broken into multiple fragments, requiring more complex treatment.

3. Distal Femur Fractures: These occur near the knee joint and involve the lower end of the femur. They are less common but often require surgical intervention.

Diagnosing a Femur Fracture

A comprehensive assessment is needed to diagnose a femur fracture and determine its severity:

• Physical Examination: The doctor will assess the leg for signs of deformity, swelling, and bruising. They will also check for tenderness, range of motion, and functionality.

• X-rays: X-ray imaging is the primary diagnostic tool used to confirm the presence of a fracture, the location of the break, and whether the bone fragments are displaced.

• CT Scan: For more complex fractures, particularly involving the hip or joint, a CT scan may be performed to gain a clearer view of the injury.

• MRI: In cases where there is concern about soft tissue damage (muscles, ligaments, or blood vessels), an MRI may be used.

Treatment for a Femur Fracture

Treatment for a femur fracture depends on the severity of the fracture, the location, and whether complications (e.g., nerve or blood vessel damage) are present. Options include:

Non-Surgical Treatment

• Traction: For certain types of fractures, traction (a controlled pulling force) may be applied to align the bones.

• Bracing and Immobilization: In cases where the fracture is not displaced or is stable, the patient may be treated with a brace or cast to immobilize the femur and promote healing.

Surgical Treatment

• Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF): This common procedure involves realigning the broken bone fragments and stabilizing them with metal plates, screws, or rods.

• Hip or Knee Replacement Surgery: In cases where the fracture involves the hip or knee joint and causes significant joint damage, joint replacement may be necessary.

• External Fixation: In rare cases, an external frame may be used to stabilize the femur fracture while it heals.

Post-Surgical Care

After surgery, the patient will typically need to rest the leg and avoid weight-bearing activities for a period of time. Pain management, physical therapy, and regular follow-ups are essential parts of recovery. A rehabilitation program is important to regain strength and mobility in the leg after healing.

Recovery and Prognosis

• Healing Time: The recovery time for a femur fracture can range from 6 to 12 months, depending on the location of the fracture and the method of treatment.

• Rehabilitation: Physical therapy is crucial for rebuilding strength, improving range of motion, and restoring functionality to the leg and knee. Exercises will focus on strengthening the quadriceps, hamstrings, and hip muscles.

• Complications: Femur fractures can lead to complications such as infection, blood clots, and muscle weakness. Delayed healing or non-union fractures may require additional interventions.

Preventing a Femur Fracture

While many femur fractures are accidental, there are strategies to minimize the risk:

• Bone Health: Ensure adequate calcium and vitamin D intake to maintain bone strength, particularly for those at risk of osteoporosis.

• Exercise: Regular weight-bearing exercises such as walking, running, or resistance training help keep bones strong.

• Safety Measures: Use seat belts in cars, wear protective gear in sports, and take precautions to prevent falls.

Expert Care at Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health

At Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health, our team of expert physiotherapists is dedicated to providing comprehensive care and rehabilitation for femur fractures. Whether you require non-surgical treatment or post-surgery rehabilitation, we work with you to restore strength, mobility, and function.