How to Deal With a Femur Injury

As the strongest bone in the body, a femur is not easy to fracture. In order for the femur to break, you need a very large force. Femur injuries often occur in skiing, football, soccer, hockey, and car accidents. Femur fractures range from stress fractures to severe injuries that require amputation. The rate of femur fractures is highest for men under 30.

Instructions

• 1

  Identify femur fracture based on the following symptoms: severe pain at the time of injury, swelling and bruising at the fracture location, visible deformity, and tenderness to touch.

• 2

  Stabilize the victim. Keep the victim warm with blankets to prevent him from going into shock. Avoid moving the victim until emergency medical assistance arrives.

• 3

  Examine the victim to ensure there is no damage to blood vessels and nerves. X-ray can be used to locate the injury.

• 4

  Restore alignment of the bones in the leg by applying traction and placing the limb in a splint. This will help to maintain the bone in the correct place during transport in the hospital.

• 5

  The most effective treatment of femur fracture is surgery. The surgery is performed by an orthopedic surgeon to restore length, rotation, and alignment of the limb using a plate or a rod and screws. Surgery should occur as soon as possible after injury.

• 6

  Following surgery, use pain medication to relieve pain. Doctors may also prescribe stool softeners to prevent constipation due to inactivity and antibiotics to prevent infection.

• 7

  Rehabilitation includes learning to walk with crutches, then a cane. Follow doctor's instructions on exercise to regain range of motions and muscle strength. Use ice to relieve pain, particularly after exercise.