Acute Phase – surgical stabilization is necessary at this point as well as the restoration of limb alignment. Traction is administered for initial stabilization to take place. Inter-medullary nailing is the treatment of choice. Recovery Phase – the goal here is to encourage immediate weight bearing tolerance, improvement of hip and knee range of motion, and strengthening of the affected area. Gait training and crutch use is done in this phase. Low extremity aerobic training such as biking, swimming, and the use of an elliptical trainer is necessary for as long as it is tolerated. Maintenance Phase - in this phase, weight bearing is permitted once complete healing has been achieved. Activities that can be done here include 30 to 45 minutes of bike riding in a flat surface. Walking for 3 to 5 miles (4. 8 to 8. 0 km) per week is also encouraged. Running can be done after 3 weeks then gradual return to usual training regimen. After surgery, physical therapy, discussed below, is needed in order to gradually restore function to the thighs. Usually, range of motion exercises and stretches are done to give strength to the broken femur. Gradual increase in physical activity is also considered.
Surgery for a broken femur can last up to three or four hours.
Metal plates and screws will reduce the risk of further complications from occurring due to displacement.
Pins are generally used when joints are not involved.
This surgery provides strong, stable and full-length fixation.
Health care practitioners do not encourage intake of this drug for the first 48 hours of injury, to let the body follow its natural course of healing. The most commonly prescribed drugs to manage pain and swelling includes Celecoxib (Celebrex), Ibuprofen (Advil), and Naproxen (Aleve).
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is usually the drug of choice.
Examples of prescription painkillers are codeine and tramadol. These painkillers are only prescribed if simple painkillers do not reach the desired level of pain reduction. Stronger types of painkillers must be taken at their proper dosage to avoid addiction and dependence.
If an infection is found, the physician will prescribe the right antibiotic. Open femoral fractures may occur from trauma cause by skin opening in the wound area.
If an immobilizer is not present, carefully wash the incision site with soap and. Pat it dry gently afterwards. Remember not to rub the incision site or to put any kind of cream or lotion over it. Avoid falling by sitting on a stool while showering. Never soak in a tub or pool unless otherwise advised by the doctor. Install hand rails in the shower, near the tub or next to the toilet. Put a slip proof mat on the bathroom floor inside the shower and even in the tub.
Watch out for the presence of redness, excessive drainage and unnecessary opening of the wound.
Note that antibiotics should be taken before any kind of dental work is done, to reduce the risk of infection. Antibiotics are a prophylactic therapy done for as long as pins and rods are inside your body.
Remove loose cords, wires, and rugs from the areas where you usually walk. Do not keep small animals because you might accidentally step on them. Repair uneven flooring. Provide good lighting.
Avoid massage and other manipulation of the affected area until healing is complete.
Lymph fluid also removes waste from cells and body tissues which are an important part of the tissue regeneration process. [9] X Research source (Hansen, K. , 2013, June 6)
You should discuss the suitability of all exercises with your physical therapist before trying them. Generally, the following exercises must be performed 3 times a day, provided that they do not contribute to increased pain:
Lie on a flat surface with the head elevated 30 to 45 degrees on a pillow. As far as is possible and comfortable, bend the affected knee towards the chest. Return to your starting position. Repeat this 10 to 20 times provided that there is no pain increase.
Lie on a flat surface with a towel under the affected leg. Start by tightening the front thigh muscles (quadriceps) by pushing the knee in a downward motion into the towel. Hold for 5 seconds. Place the middle and pointer finger on the inner quadriceps in order to feel the tightening of muscles. This will make sure that proper tightening is accomplished. Repeat tightening the front thigh muscles and holding them for 5 seconds for 10 repetitions.
Most femoral fractures take four to six months to completely heal. Even with proper treatment, the length of recovery will depend on the severity of the fracture and the presence of other injuries to the body.
