Leg fracture treatment commences as soon as possible following a fracture and may be an emergency treatment need. Your orthopedic specialist will swiftly and thoroughly perform an evaluation and have a Q and A session with you.  The femur is one of the strongest bones of the body.  Fractures in the femurm are either due to strong traumatic impact or injuries, or due to pathological disorders, such as osteoporosis or bone cancer. 

The treatment options for leg fracture would depend on the degree of displacement, severity of the fracture, presence of osteoporosis or any other pathologic condition, as well as, the site of the fracture.  The treatment for fracture of the femur would also depend on the area of the bone affected; this can be classified into the following categories:

Femoral Shaft Fracture: The long bone or middle part of the femur is the shaft.  Non-surgical treatment would include application of plaster cast.  Common surgical treatment would be Open reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF) using intramedullary rod or plates.

Supracondylar Femur Fracture.  This type of fracture affects the femur area which is above the knee joint and most often involves the cartilage of the knee joint.  For conservative treatment, a plaster cast or brace may be used.  Surgical treatment may include: the application of external fixation and Open reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF) using plates, screws or intramedullary rods.

Proximal Femur Fracture. Fracture at the upper portion of the femur and may involve the hip joint.  This category is further subdivided into:

Hip Fracture. For intracapsular fracture, occurring between the neck and head of the femur, internal fixation may suffice, if non-displaced.  If there is displacement, Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF) or arthroplasty may be recommended.

Femoral Neck Fracture. Surgical options for femoral neck fracture include various techniques of Open Reduction and Internal Fixation using screws and plates and Arthroplasty (either partial or total replacement).

Trochanteric Fracture. Fracture in the area of the trochanter which does not involve the capsule. Conservative treatment options may include: Plaster Spica, Buck’s Traction and Skeletal traction through distal femur.  Surgical options may include various techniques of Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF) utilizing Dynamic Hip Screw or Proximal Femoral Nails and Arthroplasty (Partial or Total Hip Replacement).

It is important to recognize that medications and medical procedures are associated with benefits and risks that should be discussed with your physician. It is important to recognize that all information contained on this website cannot be considered to be specific medical diagnosis, medical treatment, or medical advice. As always, you should consult with a physician regarding any medical condition. Your Health Access disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.