Femoral fracture

Definition

A femoral fracture is a break in the femur, the longest bone in the human body, typically occurring due to high-impact trauma or severe stress on the bone. These fractures can vary in severity, ranging from hairline cracks to complete breaks, and they often require significant medical intervention due to the femur's critical role in weight-bearing and mobility.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Femoral fractures can occur in various locations along the femur, including the proximal (near the hip), midshaft, and distal (near the knee) areas.
2. Due to the femur's size and function, these fractures often lead to significant pain, swelling, and difficulty in movement or bearing weight.
3. Treatment options for femoral fractures may include immobilization with a cast or brace, surgical intervention with rods or plates, and physical therapy for rehabilitation.
4. High-energy injuries, such as those from car accidents or falls from significant heights, are common causes of femoral fractures, especially in younger individuals.
5. In older adults, femoral fractures are frequently associated with osteoporosis and low-energy falls, leading to higher morbidity and complications.

Review Questions

• What are the different types of femoral fractures and how do they vary in terms of treatment options?
  • Femoral fractures can be categorized into several types including transverse, oblique, spiral, and comminuted fractures. Treatment options vary depending on the type and location of the fracture. For example, a simple transverse fracture might be treated with immobilization while a comminuted fracture may require surgical intervention to stabilize the bone fragments using rods or plates. Understanding these differences helps determine the best approach for recovery.
• Discuss the risk factors associated with femoral fractures in different age groups and their implications for treatment.
  • In younger individuals, femoral fractures are often caused by high-energy trauma such as sports injuries or vehicular accidents. In contrast, older adults are more likely to sustain these fractures due to osteoporosis and low-energy falls. This age-related difference in causes implies that treatment approaches will differ; younger patients may benefit from surgical stabilization for quicker return to activity, whereas older patients might require a more cautious approach with rehabilitation focusing on fall prevention and improving bone health.
• Evaluate the long-term consequences of untreated femoral fractures on mobility and overall health.
  • Untreated femoral fractures can lead to serious long-term consequences including chronic pain, reduced mobility, and increased risk of complications such as nonunion or malunion of the bone. Additionally, these fractures can have cascading effects on overall health; reduced activity levels can contribute to muscle atrophy and further loss of bone density. It’s essential for proper management of femoral fractures to ensure not only healing but also restoration of function to maintain an active lifestyle.

Related terms

Compound fracture: A type of fracture where the broken bone pierces through the skin, increasing the risk of infection.

Stress fracture: A small crack in the bone that develops from repetitive forces or overuse, common in athletes.

Fracture healing: The biological process through which a fractured bone repairs itself, typically involving inflammation, bone formation, and remodeling.