Thigh-Bone (Femur) Fracture

A complete or incomplete break in the shaft of the femur (the large bone extending from the hip to the knee). This is a serious injury, but unusual in sports-the ankle, lower leg or knee will usually give way before the shaft of the femur does.

Body Parts Involved

• Femur (usually in the middle of the bone).
• Soft tissue around the fracture site, including muscles, nerves, tendons, ligaments, periosteum (covering to bone), blood vessels and connective tissue.

Causes

• Direct blow to the thigh.
• Indirect stress caused by twisting or violent muscle contraction.

Signs & Symptoms

• Severe pain in the midthigh at the time of injury.
• Swelling and bruising around the fracture.
• Visible deformity if the fracture is complete and the bone fragments separate enough to distort normal leg contours.
• Tenderness to the touch.
• Numbness and coldness in the leg and foot beyond the fracture site if the blood supply is impaired.

Treatment

Note:- Follow your doctor's instructions. These instructions are supplemental.

First Aid

• Keep the person warm with blankets to decrease the possibility of shock.
• Cut away clothing, if possible, but don't move the injured leg to do so.
• Follow instructions for R.I.C.E., the first letters of rest, ice, compression and elevation.
• Use a padded splint or backboard to immobilize the hip and leg before transporting the injured person to an emergency facility.
• The doctor will set (realign) the broken bones will surgery or, if possible, without.

Realignment should be done as soon as possible after injury. Six or more hours after the bleeding and displacement of body fluids may lead to shock. Also, many tissues lose their elasticity and become difficult to return to a normal position.

Continuing Care

• Immobilization will be necessary, either with traction with a rigid hip-to-knee cast following surgery to pin bone fragments together.
• After 48 hours, localized heat promotes healing by increasing blood circulation in the injured area. Use a heat lamp or heating pad so heat can penetrate the cast.
• When the cast is removed, take whirlpool treatments, if available.

Medication

Your doctor may prescribe:

• General anesthesia to make joint manipulation possible.
• Narcotic or synthetic narcotic pain relievers for severe pain.
• Stool softeners to prevent constipation due to inactivity.
• Acetaminophen for mild pain.
• Antibiotics to fight infection if necessary.

Home Diet

• Drink only water before manipulation or surgery to treat the fracture. Solid food in your stomach makes vomiting while under anesthesia more hazardous.
• During recovery, eat a well-balanced diet that includes extra protein, such as meat, fish, poultry, cheese, milk and eggs. Increase fiber and fluid intake to prevent constipation that may result from decreased activity.

Diagnostic Measures

• Your own observation of symptoms.
• Medical history and exam by a doctor.
• X-rays of the ankle, knee, femur and pelvis.

Prevention Tips

• Build your strength with a good conditioning program before beginning regular athletic practice or competition. Increased muscle mass helps protect bones and underlying tissue.
• Ensure an adequate calcium intake (1000mg to 1500mg a day) with milk and milk products or calcium supplements.
• Use appropriate protective equipment, such as thigh pads, for participation in contact sports.