Thigh Fracture
Normal Anatomy
The thigh is composed of one bone, the femur, as well as large groups of muscles in the front, back, outer, and inner sides of the thigh. Major nerves from the spinal cord run down the thigh into the leg. Major blood vessels that originate in the trunk run down the thigh and into the leg as well. The muscles, nerves, and blood vessels in the front, back, and inner part of the thigh are separated into compartments by thickened collagen tissue, called fascia.
Pathology
Thigh bone (femur) fractures usually occur in younger patients after high speed injuries such as motor vehicle and motorcycle accidents. The femur will break into two or more pieces, depending on how bad the injury is. X-rays show the break, its location and pattern. A physical examination is important to check for injuries to other structures, such as muscles or nerves.
Treatment
Fractures of the thigh bone are usually complete fractures and often require surgery. Surgery ensures that the bone is aligned in the correct position and that the patient can begin to put weight on the leg immediately. This surgery used to be done with long incisions and plates and screws. Now special slender metal rods can be placed inside the bone through small incisions. Therapists work with the patient the next day after surgery to start moving the hip, working on strengthening the muscles around the hip and leg, and to begin walking again. Once the fracture is healed, most patients are able to return to their activities with or without limitations, based on their pre-injury level of ambulation and function.