Definition

A femoral fracture is a break in the thigh bone, which is called the femur. The femur bone is also known as the thigh bone. It runs from the hip to the knee and is the longest and strongest bone in the body. It usually requires a great deal of force to break the femur.

Femoral Fractures

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Causes

A femoral fracture is usually caused by direct trauma to the bone. Trauma includes:

• Falls
• Blows
• Collisions
• Severe twists

Risk Factors

A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a femoral fracture. Tell your doctor if you have any of these risk factors:

• Advancing age
• Postmenopausal osteoporosis
• Decreased muscle mass
• Certain diseases that weaken bones, such as osteoporosis or cancer
• Participation in certain contact sports, such as football

Symptoms

Symptoms include:

• Immediate and severe pain
• Swelling and bruising around the area of the break
• Inability to walk and/or limited range of motion of the knee or hip
• Deformity of the leg, such as shortening or abnormal twisting of the injured leg

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms, physical activity, and how the injury occurred. The injured area will also be examined. You may have x-rays to look for a break in the bone.

Treatment

Treatment will depend on the severity of the injury. Treatment involves:

• Putting the pieces of the bone back in position, which may require anesthesia and/or surgery
• Keeping the pieces together while the bone heals

Devices that may be used to hold the bone in place while it heals include:

• A cast (rarely used except in very young patients)
• A metal plate with screws (requires surgery)
• A rod down the middle of the bone (requires surgery)
• Metal pins that cross the bone, with a frame on the outside of the leg that holds the pins and the fractured bone in place (requires either general or local anesthesia)

Your doctor will order additional x-rays while the bone heals. This is to ensure that the bones have not shifted position.

Once home, follow your doctor's discharge instructions .

Prevention

To help prevent femur fractures:

• Do not put yourself at risk for trauma to the femur.
• Eat a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D .
• Build strong muscles to prevent falls and to stay active and agile.
• Always wear a seatbelt when driving or riding in a car.
• Wear proper padding and safety equipment when participating in sports or activities.