Femur fracture

This is a fracture of the femur, the longest, strongest and most voluminous bone in the human body. There are many subtypes of fractures, classified according to the area of the fractured bone, the fracture line, the position of the fragments, and whether there is perforation of the skin.

Most femur fractures in people with normal bone are the result of high-energy trauma (traffic accidents). If it occurs as a result of minor trauma or a minor fall, it may be a fragility fracture in a person with a disease that weakens the bone (e.g., osteoporosis).

It presents with severe pain in the thigh, swelling, bruising, difficulty bearing weight or moving the leg, tenderness to the touch, and possibly visible deformity. 

Diagnosis is based on a detailed medical history, a thorough physical examination, and imaging studies (plain radiographs, computed tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging).

Femur fractures most often require surgical treatment to resolve. If the bone quality is good and the fracture allows, pins or screw plates designed specifically to hold the fragments in place while the fracture callus forms can be used. Rehabilitation exercises are very important to regain strength in the affected leg muscles.