How long does it take to recover from a distal femur fracture?
General Treatment Most distal femur fractures are treated with surgery. The broken bone will take a minimum of 2 months to heal. Some can take more than 6 months to heal.
Do you splint a femur fracture?
Patients with femoral shaft fracture will often come in with a Hare traction splint placed by EMS. This is called skin splinting and can do more damage than good.
How do you stabilize a broken femur?
In this type of operation, metal pins or screws are placed into the bone above and below the fracture site. The pins and screws are attached to a bar outside the skin. This device is a stabilizing frame that holds the bones in the proper position. External fixation is usually a temporary treatment for femur fractures.
When can you start walking after femur fracture?
Full recovery from a femur fracture can take anywhere from 12 weeks to 12 months. But you are not alone. Most people experiencing a femur fracture can begin walking with the help of a physical therapist in the first day or two after injury and/or surgery.
What should I do if I have a distal femur fracture?
Patients with distal femoral fractures of all ages do best when they can be up and moving soon after treatment (such as moving from a bed to a chair, and walking). Treatment that allows early motion of the knee lessens the risk of knee stiffness, and prevents problems caused by extended bed rest, such as bed sores and blood clots.
How long does it take for a femur fracture to heal?
Most distal femur fractures are treated with surgery. The broken bone will take a minimum of 2 months to heal. Some can take more than 6 months to heal. Surgery may take place anywhere from 1-5 days after your injury.
What causes a distal femur fracture in an elderly person?
Elderly people with distal femur fractures typically have poor bone quality. As we age, our bones get thinner. Bones can become very weak and fragile. A lower-force event, such as a fall from standing, can cause a distal femur fracture in an older person who has weak bones.
What causes shortening of the distal femur bone?
The distal femur is spanned by several muscle groups that can create deformities across fractures. Depending on the fracture plane and comminution, the quadriceps typically cause shortening, whereas in the coronal plane varus/valgus deformity can be imparted by the adductors or iliotibial (IT) band.
Can a brace be used for a distal femur fracture?
In many cases of distal femur fracture, however, a cast or brace cannot correctly line up the bone pieces because shortened muscles pull the pieces out of place. Only fractures that are limited to two parts and are stable and well aligned can be treated with a brace. Casts and braces can also be uncomfortable.
How does a post operative femoral fracture brace work?
It also provides adjustable compression over the fracture site, meaning it will not loosen over the course of the treatment period, as with a traditional cast. It is imperative that the straps and plastic shell stay tight over the femur to allow for proper healing. Have a question about your Post-Operative Femoral Fracture Brace?
What happens when the distal femur is broken?
Open fractures often involve much more damage to the surrounding muscles, tendons, and ligaments. They have a higher risk for complications and take a longer time to heal. When the distal femur breaks, both the hamstrings and quadriceps muscles tend to contract and shorten.
Can a bone graft help heal a femur fracture?
To help the fracture heal, your doctor may suggest applying a bone graft to the fracture, and changing or adding to how it was fixed (plates, screws, rods). Knee Arthritis Distal femur fractures that enter the the knee joint may heal with a defect in the normally smooth surface of the joint.