What is the femur and why is a fracture of it so serious?
A femur fracture is one of the most serious fractures of the lower limb. It affects the longest and strongest bone in the human body, essential for walking, standing, and knee and hip mobility. When it occurs, it constitutes a absolute medical emergencyrequiring rapid and specialized care.
The femur is the thigh bone. It connects the hip to the knee and supports a large part of the body's weight. Its strength explains why a fracture is almost always linked to a significant trauma, except in certain frail individuals.
A fractured femur can compromise:
- lower limb mobility
- knee stability
- the ability to walk
- patient autonomy
It can also be accompanied by general complications, which explains its urgent nature.
The different locations of a femur fracture
Not all femur fractures are the same. Their severity and treatment depend on their location.
In particular, we can distinguish:
- fractures of the upper extremity (near the hip)
- fractures of the femoral shaft (central part)
- fractures of the lower end of the femur, near the knee
Fractures of the distal femur, located near the knee, directly affect the joint and fall squarely within the scope of knee emergencies.
How does a femur fracture occur?
A femur fracture is most often linked to a violent trauma.
The most frequent circumstances are:
- road traffic accident
- fall from height
- skiing accident
- violent direct impact to the thigh or knee
- crushing injury to the lower limb
In some people, especially when the bone is weakened, a simple fall can be enough to cause a fracture.
Symptoms of a femur fracture
The symptoms are usually obvious and require immediate medical attention. The pain is intense, sudden, and often described as unbearable. It prevents any weight-bearing on the leg. The patient is unable to stand or walk.
A visible deformity of the limb is frequently observed, sometimes with abnormal shortening or rotation of the leg. Significant swelling can appear rapidly, due to bleeding around the fracture. When the fracture is located near the knee, the knee quickly becomes swollen, very painful, and impossible to move.
Why is a fractured femur an absolute emergency?
A femur fracture is not just a bone injury. It can lead to:
- significant blood loss
- vascular complications
- nerve damage
- a risk of general complications in some patients
That is why any suspicion of a femur fracture requires a immediate hospital admission.
When should you seek emergency medical attention?
You should seek immediate medical attention, or even call emergency services, if:
- the pain is intense after a trauma
- the leg is deformed
- support is impossible
- The knee is very swollen after an impact
- the patient can no longer get up
On SOS Genou, these situations correspond to life-threatening or functional emergencies which should never be trivialized.
The first steps to take before seeking medical care
If a femur fracture is suspected, it is essential to limit all movement.
The patient should remain lying down and not attempt to get up. The leg should be immobilized as much as possible, without excessive manipulation. Applying cold can help reduce swelling, but never force movement.
It is strongly advised against trying to put the leg back in place or walking despite the pain.
How is a femur fracture diagnosed?
The diagnosis is based on clinical examination, but especially on imaging.
There X-ray This allows for rapid confirmation of the fracture and precise localization. scanner is often performed to analyze the fracture more precisely, especially when it is close to the knee and affects the joint.
These examinations allow for the planning of appropriate care.
Fractured femur and knee injury
When the fracture affects the lower end of the femur, the knee is directly involved. There may be:
- cartilage damage
- an intra-articular fracture
- associated ligament injuries
These situations require specialized knee care in order to preserve mobility and limit the risk of secondary osteoarthritis.
Treatment of a femur fracture
The treatment is most often surgicalIt aims to realign the bone, stabilize it, and allow for optimal functional recovery.
In some very specific cases, non-surgical treatment may be considered, but it remains exceptional and strictly regulated.
Rehabilitation is an essential step after treatment, in order to gradually regain mobility in the knee and thigh.
What are the possible complications?
Without prompt and appropriate treatment, a femur fracture can lead to:
- chronic pain
- knee stiffness
- loss of autonomy
- gait disturbances
- Secondary osteoarthritis of the knee when the joint is affected
These risks explain the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.
Why is specialized care essential?
A femoral fracture is a complex injury, often associated with other conditions. Specialized care allows for:
- to accurately assess the fracture
- to anticipate complications
- to adapt the treatment
- to optimize functional recovery
A femur fracture is a major medical emergency. It manifests as intense pain, an inability to walk, and often a deformity of the limb. Any suspicion of a fracture requires immediate medical attention to preserve knee function and long-term mobility.
