How to Diagnose Problems of the Femur Bone

The femur, the largest bone in the human body, is located in the upper leg. Problems with the femur can occur due to injury and other medical conditions. Determining a problem with the femur can be done by physical examination of the leg and through X-rays and other diagnostic imaging tests such as MRI or CT scans. These tests can help to correctly diagnosis and treat the condition.

Instructions

How to determine the problem

• 1

  Gather the patient’s history. When a patient complains of symptoms, it is important to find out the patient’s history and events that led to the symptoms. Ask the patient questions to determine what may have caused the problem. Ask what he was doing when the symptoms or problem first occurred. Ask about any suspected trauma/injury that may have occurred to the leg. Ask the patient about any medical conditions he may have, such as osteoporosis or cancer, that could have led to the problem.

• 2

  Perform a physical examination. When a person has a problem with her leg, the first thing that should be done is a physical exam. Look at the leg and note any discoloration, such as redness or bruising, swelling, cuts, burns and deformity. Deformity can be seen or felt during palpation (feeling) of the leg. Check for pain and note the area where the pain is located. Pain may help narrow down the problem by giving a specific area to concentrate on during the exam. Check the leg’s range of motion to determine if it can be moved normally.

• 3

  Obtain X-rays of the leg. After performing the physical exam, it may be necessary to perform X-rays, which are pictures of the bone that can help identify fractures and other abnormalities. X-rays can be performed on the leg using different views and angles in order to have a complete picture of the femur. Look for injuries to the femur, such as a fracture, that may be visible on the X-ray. Check the femur to see if it is properly aligned with the hip and knee.

• 4

  Use diagnostic imaging to locate the problem. Diagnostic imaging tests, such as an MRI or CT scan, can provide a detailed picture of the femur that may show problems not visible on an X-ray. An MRI or CT scan offers a unique look at the femur using highly specialized equipment, and a scan may show the smallest imperfection that may be the cause of the problem. MRI and CT scans can show pictures of the femur and surrounding tissue, such as muscle and blood vessels located in the area. Look for abnormalities such as blood clots, growths on the femur or small hairline fractures.

• 5

  Determine the problem. After the physical exam, X-ray and diagnostic imaging, a physician or specialist should be able to pinpoint the problem with the femur. She will make a diagnosis based on information collected, and all tests performed will allow her to correctly treat and resolve the problem.