Fracture of femur – Broken leg
Description of a fracture of the femur
Femur fracture occurs in violation of the anatomical integrity of the femur. The femur extends from the hip to the knee and is the longest and durable bone of the body. To break the femur, It requires considerable effort.
Causes of hip fracture
Fracture of femur, usually, caused by direct trauma to the bone, the cause of which can be:
- Fall;
- Pounding;
- Clashes;
- Sudden jerks.
Risk factors for hip fracture
Factors, increase the risk of fractures of the femur include:
- Advanced age;
- Postmenopausal osteoporosis;
- Reduced muscle mass;
- Some diseases, that weaken bones, such as osteoporosis or cancer;
- Contact sports.
Symptoms of a fracture of the femur
- Sudden and severe pain;
- Swelling and bruising in the area of the fracture
- Inability to walk and / or limited range of motion of the knee or hip;
- The deformation of the feet – reduction or abnormal twisting of the injured leg.
Diagnosis of fracture of the femur
The doctor will ask about your symptoms, About, how the accident occurred, will examine the injured area. To determine the fracture to be appointed X-ray.
Treatment of fracture of the femur
Treatment will depend on the location and severity of the injury and includes:
- Installation of destroyed bone parts in the normal position. Sometimes the routine may require anesthesia or surgery;
- Saving a stationary position until the injured bone healing and splices.
Methods, which can be used to save the fixed position of bones:
- Cast (rarely used, except in very young patients);
- Metal plate with screws (It requires surgery);
- The bar in the middle of the bone (It requires surgery);
- Metal pins across the bone, with supporting device on the outer side of the leg (It requires general or local anesthesia).
As the healing will be performed the additional x-rays, that allows you to monitor the treatment and to avoid displacement of bones.
Exercises fracture of the femur
After the doctor's permission, you can start to do the exercises to increase range of motion and strengthen the muscles of his legs broken. It can be assigned to visit a physiotherapist. While the leg is fully healed and recovered femoris, you can not play sports.
Healing time of fracture of the femur
Hip fracture is a serious injury, healing which takes 3-6 months.
Prevention of hip fracture
To prevent femoral fractures:
- Do not expose yourself to the risk of hip injury;
- Eat a diet, rich in calcium and vitamin D;
- Train your muscles, to prevent falls and to stay active and agile.
- Always wear a seatbelt when driving or riding in a car;
- Keep safety in sports or at work;
- Fracture of the femur in people over 55 years, sometimes associated with osteoporosis. We need to find, whether you have osteoporosis. Follow all recommendations for the treatment of this disease, to prevent further fractures.
