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Bouncing Back: How Are Midshaft Femur Fractures Treated?
Published: Dec 19, 2023
Treating a midshaft femur fracture is no small feat. Let's dive into how doctors tackle these complex injuries to get patients back on their feet.
Initial Steps in Management
The first step is assessing the patient for other injuries, especially in trauma cases. Pain management is crucial, often using nerve blocks for immediate relief. Immobilizing the leg with a splint helps prevent further injury until surgery can be performed.
Surgical Solutions
Surgery is typically necessary to align and stabilize the fracture. The most common procedure involves inserting an intramedullary nail into the bone for support. This method boasts high success rates, with most patients experiencing union of the bone and minimal complications.
When Surgery Can Wait
In some cases, surgery may be delayed, especially if the patient is medically unstable. Temporary external fixators can stabilize the fracture until the patient is ready for definitive surgical repair. This approach minimizes stress on the body during recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Assessing for other injuries and managing pain are the initial steps.
Most cases require surgery, but some may initially use external fixators.
Intramedullary nailing has high success rates with minimal complications.
Key Takeaways
Effective management of midshaft femur fractures involves timely intervention and expert surgical care.
References
- Ricci WM, Gallagher B, Haidukewych GJ. Intramedullary nailing of femoral shaft fractures: current concepts. J Am Acad Orthop Surg 2009; 17:296.
- Philipsen SPJ, Vergunst AA, Tan ECTH. Traction Splinting for midshaft femoral fractures. Injury 2022; 53:4129.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic. Always discuss health information with your healthcare provider.
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