Close Femur Fracture: Treatment, Surgery, Recovery Period, Prognosis, Coping

Pain due to close femur fracture would persist for few weeks while the healing of the thigh bone occurs. With the help of close femur fracture surgery, it is possible to stabilize the femur bone. As far as the swelling along with tenderness is concerned, it might last for some time. This part of the article covers the treatment for close femur fracture, surgery, recovery period/healing time, prognosis/outlook, prevention, coping, lifestyle changes.

1. Nonsurgical Treatment for Close Femur Fracture

   Close femur fracture can only be treated with surgery. Rarely somebody with the above mentioned problem has not undergone surgery. Kids who are very young may opt for the casting methods to heal the close femur fracture.

2. Surgical Treatment for Close Femur Fracture

   Timing of the operation/surgery is crucial in close femur fracture. In case the eruption of the skin in the vicinity of the fractured has not erupted, the doctor may wait patiently for the situation to stabilize. (Open fractures involve the unraveling of the injury to the external environment. Cleansing is carried out before performing the surgery.)

   Before performing the surgery, the legs would be enclosed in a casing called the skeletal traction. It will go a long way in ensuring the alignment to a great extent and to prevent the length being shortened.

   Skeletal suction is considered as a combination of weight along with counterweight that plays an important role in combining the broken components in the bone so that the legs remain in a straight position. It also helps to eliminate pain caused by close femur fracture.

1. External Fixation Surgery for Close Femur Fracture:

   The operation in external fixation surgery for close femur fracture involves the placement of the metal pins that are positioned slightly above the fractured area and also the location beneath. Pins are fixated to a string bar which is situated above the skin. Device provides stability to the bone structure so that the fractured portion is healed in an great manner.

   It is regarded as a stop gap arrangement for treating the close femur fracture. External fixation is useful in cases when the patient is awaiting operation & is not in a condition to undergo the final treatment. The fixation is useful in ensuring alignment till the operation is conducted. In few instances, the close femur fractures get healed by external fixation however they are very rare.

2. Intramedullary Nailing Surgery for Close Femur Fracture

   Intramedullary nailing surgery for close femur fracture is one of the most important methods to treat femur fracture. The operation involves the placement of the metal rod inside marrow channel which is an important part about the femur or thighbone. Rod is aligned with the fractured area to ensure proper positioning of the leg.

   Through the knee bone or the hip bone a small incision is made and an intramedullary nail is inserted into the channel. After the insertion, the nail is screwed at both sides so that the nail as well as the bone is in proper position while recovering of close femur fracture.

   Incision is carried out at through hip or knee at the location of the fracture so that the intramedullary nail could be inserted. Screw is applied from the either ends to make sure the alignment of the bone. Intramedullary nails comprises of the metal titanium and they are available in different size along with diameters.

3. Plates & Screws Surgery for Close Femur Fracture:

   While the operation for close femur fracture is conducted, the bone pieces are aligned in the original position. Thereafter screws along with metal plates help to keep them in balance. Both of them are located externally to ensure desirable results.

   Plates combined with screws are useful during intramedullary fastening fails to heal the close femur fracture. Some injuries extend to hips or even to knee joints.

Some of the complications of close femur fracture apart from blood loss are as follows:

• Chronic Infection is a possible complication of close femur fracture.
• Constriction of blood vessels along with nerves.
• Formation of Blood clots.
• Fat deposition caused by the movement of the bone marrow.
• If the broken pieces of bone fail to align.
• Delayed union accompanied by non-union in the future is a major complication of close femur fracture.
• Irritation caused by screw as well as nails to the bone or even muscles.

Close femur fracture can make you immobile for weeks and it might extend to months. Recovery period/healing time for close femur fracture may depend on category along with location and also how complex the fracture of the bone is. Close femur fracture may take quite a long time to heal as the treatment is riddled with complexities. Close femur fracture might consume 4 or even 6 months to get completely healed as open and broken bones are spread out across the thigh.

The prognosis/recover time for close femur fracture is good. Prompt treatment would help the close femur fracture to recuperate at a faster rate:

• Femur or thigh bone is a major bone and it plays an important role in holding the weight of the body; therefore a maximum of 8 weeks is required for the healing process.
• Extent of close femur fracture along with the age of the patient can impact the recovery time. For example, old people might find it difficult to recuperate from the fracture.

Regular simple exercises are mandatory for strengthening the bones and prevent close femur fractures. Exercises are necessary to enhance balance and strengthening. People who suffer from osteoporosis are scared of exercises. It is a misconception because exercise would help to prevent the instance of falling and getting injured. It is useful in enhancing the reflexes and increasing the strength of the bones. Bones can become weak due to lack of exercise. If you are fit the muscles as well as the bones are less likely to break. Weight training exercises combined with activity to restore balance would go a long way in delivering results. One can perform yoga or even Tai chi to get strength and prevent close femur fractures.

If the lifestyle during young age is healthy, it will play an important role in development of the bone mass. As a result you will not get affected by osteoporosis. In addition, regular exercises could prevent the falling risks.

Follow the below mentioned rules to prevent close femur fracture:

• Calcium along with Vitamin D should be consumed in right amounts to prevent close femur fractures. People who are over 50 years of age should have 1200 mg calcium along with 600 units of the impeccable Vitamin D every day.
• Exercises are necessary to provide strength to the bones and also help to maintain balance and prevent close femur fractures. Regular walking will play an important role in maintaining the density of the bone. Exercises can increase the total strength and would lower the fall risks. Balance training is instrumental to prevent the instances of fracture.
• Smoking along with drinking should be avoided to prevent close femur fracture. Tobacco is known to decrease the density of the bone. Alcohol is one of the primary reasons of fall and injury.
• Check the house if it has hazardous objects. Throw rugs should be removed and the electrical cord needs to be placed near the wall. Lighting system in the home needs to be impeccable.
• Regular eye checkup, checkup for diabetes or other types of disease should be conducted.
• If the medicines are causing weakness along with dizziness, the consumption should be stopped/dosage should be reduced or else they might result in fall.
• It is important not to stand up instantly or else it might lead to reduction in blood pressure in the brain. You may increase the risk of falling.
• Make use of a walker or walking stick. When you do not feel stable while walking, question your occupational therapist or doctor whether these devices will be of any use.
• Walking stick can be useful in preventing close femur fractures if you are finding difficult to maintain balance while walking from one place to another.

Coping with a close femur fracture is challenging as the usage of legs is very regular in day to day lives. Response of pain varies from one person to another. Single universal treatment does not exist for all the patients. Sometimes mental stress can also affect the treatment. Tension accompanied by depression can result in more pain. Treatment options are available to alleviate the pain. Patients suffering from close femur fracture can recover quickly and do well in normal life.

Help along with support is essential for the patients suffering from close femur fracture. Old men and women who suffer fracture of the close femur fracture can benefit immensely from physiotherapy accompanied by occupational therapy to facilitate the treatment. It will help them to become self-independent.

1. Weight Bearing Exercises for Close Femur Fracture

   Physicians suggest the patients to increase the movement of the leg so that the recovery process for close femur fracture is fast. Patient should strictly adhere to the instructions.

   In few instances, the patient might be advised to increase the weight on leg post-surgery. Full weight can only be applied when the close femur fracture shows signs of healing. Instructions need to be followed in an impeccable manner.

   When you begin walking, you will most likely need to use crutches or a walker for support. Patients who want to walk might be using crutches during the initial period.

2. Physical Therapy (PT) for Close Femur Fracture

   Exercises play a very important role in close femur fracture to impart strength to the fractured region while the healing procedure is taking place. It will play a very important role in enhancing the strength of the muscles along with motion as well as flexibility.

   Physical therapist would train you with exercises while at the bed in hospital. He or she would also explain the users of crutches as well as walkers.

Increasing the bone strength will prevent close femur fracture. It is important to increase the density of the bone while getting older. Use the following lifestyle changes in order to prevent recurrence of close femur fracture after the complete recovery from close femur fracture:

• One should walk and jog or even play sports like tennis. Special exercises can be done to strengthen the arms as well as legs. It is bound to enhance the balance by many notches.
• Calcium along with vitamin D can provide amazing results. It is important to consume protein; supplements should be taken by consulting the physician.
• People suffering from the problem of osteoporosis need to consult the physician. Early menopause can also cause issues of the bone.
• Smoking should be stopped to prevent close femur fracture.
• Alcohol consumption should be in moderate amounts to prevent easy close femur fracture. Men can have 2 drinks while women should take only one per day.
• Do not keep obstacles in the house that would cause you to trip over and get hurt and cause close femur fracture.

Also Read:

• What is Close Femur Fracture, Know its Causes, Signs, Symptoms, Complications, Diagnosis