Also known as the thigh bone, the femur is a strong and long bone in the upper leg. It forms the hip joint from its proximal end and the knee joint from the distal end. A break in the femur can affect the ability of the person to walk or stand. Femur is the strong bone and minor injuries are less likely to cause fractures. Hence, femur fractures often occur because of high-energy trauma. The treatment of such fractures requires surgery and the orthopedic specialist will use ortho surgical implants to stabilize the fracture. 

In this fracture, we will have a quick look at what femoral shaft fractures are and how they are diagnosed. 

What Are Femoral Shaft Fractures?

A fracture that occurs along the length of the thigh bone is called a femoral shaft fracture. It could be a simple break in the femur shaft or the broken bone fragment could get displaced from its position. The severity of the impact and the cause decides the pattern of the fracture along with the type of treatment it will need. Here are some of the common types of fractures of the femur shaft that are reported:

Stable Femur Shaft Fractures

Stable fractures are those in which the broken bone stays in its correct alignment. These fractures are generally not severe and may be treated without surgery.

Unstable Femur Shaft Fractures

Also known as displaced fractures, unstable femur shaft fractures are the ones in which fractured bone fragments move out of their anatomy. The displacement here is significant enough to require surgery for stabilization. 

Comminuted Femur Shaft Fractures

These are severe fractures in which the bone breaks into more than two pieces. Stabilization using trauma implants is necessary in the case of comminuted fractures. 

Open Fractures

Open fractures often occur because of high-intensity traumatic events like car crashes, bike accidents, being hit by a car, or gunshot wounds. 

How Femoral Shaft Fractures Are Diagnosed?

The diagnosis of femoral shaft fracture requires a thorough physical examination followed by imaging tests. During the physical examination, the orthopedic specialist will look for visible signs at the site of injury along with the range of motion. The signs that will be noticed include swelling, bruising, deformity, and tenderness to touch. Besides this, the orthopedic specialist will also ask the patient to move the injured limb to examine painful movements. 

To confirm the fracture and its severity, the healthcare service provider will order certain imaging tests:

• X-ray

• CT scan

• MRI

What is the Treatment for Femur Shaft Fractures?

Femoral shaft fractures often require surgery for treatment. However, the orthopedic specialist will consider immobilization using a cast without surgery for stable fractures. This is also a choice option for children with fractures in the femoral shaft. 

Open reduction and internal fixation is the commonest surgery that orthopedic surgeons perform to fix fractures in the femoral shaft. In severe cases, the healthcare service provider may recommend external fixation.

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