Femur fracture

Fracture of the femur, which is the longest, strongest and most voluminous bone in the human body. There are many subtypes of fracture, 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 femoral fractures in people with normal bone are the result of high-energy trauma (traffic accidents). If they occur as a result of minor trauma or a minor fall, they may be a fragility fracture in a person with a disease that weakens the bone (e.g. osteoporosis).

It manifests 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 made by detailed medical history, thorough physical examination and imaging tests (plain X-rays, CT-scan or MRI).

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