What Is A Femur Fracture?
The femur or thigh bone is considered to be the strongest bone in the body. In fact, a ton of force is generally required to break the thigh bone because of how thick and strong it is.
One of the leading causes of femur shaft fracture is motor vehicle collisions. Some people also suffer from an injured femur from being hit as a pedestrian. In other cases, an individual may fall from a height and sustain a femur fracture along with other severe injuries.
Types of Femoral Shaft Fractures
When you break your femur anywhere in the length of the bone, surgery is often required. Fully healing the fractured femur bone, regardless of how it is specifically treated, can take several months or longer.
The fracture on the femur can vary depending on the force with which the part has been broken. There are four fundamental types of femoral shaft fractures:
- Stable Fracture: When the broken bone pieces are lined up
- Displaced Fracture: In this type, bone pieces are out of alignment
- Closed Fracture: This type of characterized when skin across the fracture remains intact
- Open Fracture: Skin may get punctured from the broken bone
There are also other types of femur fractures, including transverse fractures, spiral fractures, oblique fractures, and comminuted fractures. Healthcare professionals may describe femur fractures depending on location, pattern, and whether the skin or muscle across the bone has been torn.
Symptoms of Femoral Shaft Fractures
Older people may get injured more easily due to weaker bones, even if they only fall from standing. With a femur fracture, the injured victim will almost always feel immediate and severe pain. They may be unable to put weight on their injured leg. Sometimes, the injured leg may also look deformed or even smaller than the other leg.
How do doctors diagnose broken femurs?
Healthcare professionals diagnose femur injury by examining the broken leg. X-Rays and computed tomography or CT scans are conducted to help see the inside of the body where the fracture is.
Broken bones may be treated with the help of two fundamental types of surgeries: open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF), and external fixation. Rods, screws, and metal plates are used within the body for ORIF surgeries. In external fixation, these materials are stabilized with a device that extends outside the body.
When is the intramedullary rod inserted?
One of the primary treatments for femur injury requires the insertion of a metal pole, known as intramedullary nailing. It is inserted in the center of the thigh bone. The rod reconnects the two ends, and screws are used to support the fracture. The rod can also be removed from the bone or can remain inside it.
Generally, femur injury recovery is dependent on the use of screws and plates that can support the fracture to heal. A fixator is used to keep the fractured bone in place. More specifically, it gives stabilization to the bone fragments so the femur injury can heal better over time. Those with multiple injuries may be treated using external fixators temporarily.
A broken thighbone is regarded as a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment. The type of treatment, however, is entirely dependent on the extent, pattern, and location of the injury. Femur injury recovery may take 4 to 6 months. However, time varies based on the individual and the injury.
What are the complications of broken femur surgery?
There are risks of complications with virtually any surgery, and femur bone surgery is certainly no exception. Some risks include:
- Infection
- Blood clots
- Damage to blood vessels from bone pieces
- Pain
- Fat entering the bloodstream
- Acute compartment syndrome, or when pressure develops in the muscles that prevents blood from flowing or causes damage to muscles or nerves
Older people face more risk from injury as well as surgery. People who are above 60 and have weaker bones may ask their healthcare provider to provide bone-strengthening medication if they have a high fall risk. They can also practice exercises that improve balance and strengthen the legs.
If an individual experiences chronic pain after a femur injury, physical therapy and medication can provide some relief.
What is the average settlement for a broken leg?
The average settlement amount for a tibia or fibula fracture in a personal injury claim is nearly $70,000 to $90,000. The reimbursement for broken femurs averages twice that amount, at $150,000 to $175,000. It becomes vital to negotiate with the insurance company so that you get a deserving settlement value.
Medical treatment for a broken femur can become incredibly expensive, and fast. If you have been hurt by someone else’s negligence, a competent Fort Myers Personal Injury Attorney can be your ally. With in-depth knowledge and expertise, they can make your road to pursuing compensation an easier and better one. Schedule a free consultation and discuss your case now with our experienced legal counsel.