Femur Shaft Fracture Treatment Specialist Q&A

Among the bones of your body, the thighbone (femur) is the longest and strongest. Due to its strength, the femur is usually hard to break. Femoral shafts are the long, straight parts of the femur. Whenever there is a break along this part of the bone, it is called a femoral shaft fracture. In most cases, this type of broken leg needs to be surgically repaired.

Fractures of the femur vary greatly depending on how they are caused. It is possible for the pieces of bone to line up correctly (stable fracture) or they may be misaligned (displaced fracture). Depending on the type of fracture, the skin may be intact around the fracture (closed fracture) or punctured by the bone (open fracture).

Often, young people suffer femoral shaft fractures as a result of high-energy collisions. Femoral shaft fractures are most commonly caused by motor vehicle crashes or motorcycle accidents. Another common cause is being hit by a car while walking, as well as falls from heights and gunshot wounds. An older person with weaker bones may suffer a femoral shaft fracture after a lower-force incident, such as a fall from standing.

The symptoms of a femur shaft fracture can be severe and include significant pain and swelling in the thigh and knee area. The pain may be sudden and intense, making it difficult to bear weight on the affected leg. The injured leg may appear visibly deformed, twisted, or shortened, and there may be difficulty or inability to move the leg or bend the knee.

Other common symptoms of a femur shaft fracture may include tenderness, bruising, and redness around the affected area. Some people may experience tingling or numbness in the leg or foot due to nerve damage caused by the fracture. In more severe cases, there may be an open wound or visible protrusion of the bone, which can be a medical emergency.

The time it takes for a femur shaft fracture to heal varies depending on the severity and location of the fracture, as well as individual factors such as age, overall health, and the presence of underlying medical conditions. In general, it can take several months for a femur shaft fracture to heal completely. During this time, the injured person may require immobilization or surgical intervention to promote proper healing.

Factors that may influence the healing time for a femur shaft fracture include the severity of the fracture, the patient’s age, and overall health. Patients who smoke or have underlying medical conditions such as diabetes may also experience slower healing times. It’s important to follow all treatment recommendations and maintain regular follow up with a healthcare provider to monitor progress and make adjustments as necessary to ensure each patient receives a customized treatment plan.

If left untreated, a femur shaft fracture can lead to serious complications, including chronic pain, mobility issues, and deformity of the affected leg. In some cases, the fracture may not heal properly, leading to malunion or nonunion.

Orthopedic doctors may use a variety of treatment approaches for femur shaft fractures depending on the severity and location of the fracture. Immobilization is typically the first step in treatment and may involve the use of a cast or brace to hold the bone in place while it heals.

In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary to realign the bone and hold it in place with pins, screws, or plates. This is often necessary for fractures that are displaced or require more stability. Rehabilitation is also an important part of treatment, as it helps patients regain strength and range of motion in the affected leg.

Femur shaft fracture treatment is available at the Orthopedic Group. We serve patients from Leesburg VA, Lansdowne VA, Stone Springs VA, Dulles, VA, Ashburn VA, Sterling VA, Aldie VA, South Riding VA, Herndon VA, Winchester VA, Reston VA, and Chantilly VA.