Upper Leg Fracture

Have you sustained a fracture in your upper leg or thigh? Then you're in the right place at Podobrace. The products below offer support during your recovery. Would you like to learn more about fractures in the upper leg? Read on. We’re happy to explain everything clearly.

What is a femur fracture?

The upper leg consists of a single bone that runs from the hip to the knee, called the femur. The femur is known as the longest bone in the human body. It is extremely strong, meaning that significant force is usually required to break it. Fractures are more common when the bones are weakened by conditions such as bone cancer, osteoporosis or Paget’s disease. Bone fractures also occur more frequently in older men and women, as this is often related to impaired vision, difficulty walking, brittle bones, poor balance or severe overweight.

What causes a broken femur?

A broken femur is usually caused by a fall or a direct blow to the leg during physical activity. It can also be the result of a car accident. In some cases, bone quality may decline due to illness or the natural aging process.

What are the symptoms?

A fractured femur is usually accompanied by intense pain in the upper leg, making it impossible to move or bear weight on the leg. In most cases, the leg is positioned differently than usual. In the case of complex fractures, the bone may even protrude through the skin. Sometimes the skin around the hip appears purple due to internal bruising.

How is a broken femur diagnosed?

Swelling of the thigh is not always immediately visible. An X-ray can confirm the presence and pattern of the fracture. In some cases, an MRI scan may be performed to provide a clearer view of the exact location, severity and direction of the break. In most adult cases, surgery is required for a fractured femur, with few exceptions. Since the femur is richly supplied with blood, internal bleeding can be significant and is often a reason for immediate surgery.

What treatments are available?

During surgery, the broken bone segments are stabilized using implants such as screws, plates, wires or rods. This reduces the risk of complications or deformities and allows for quicker healing and improved mobility. The aim is to properly realign the broken bone, provide sufficient stability and restore function to the upper leg as quickly as possible.

In some cases, the leg can also be stabilized externally, especially when soft tissue (such as the skin, tendons, muscles, nerves or blood vessels) is also damaged. This involves an external frame with pins inserted into the femur. This method is often used for children whose bones are still growing or for people with infected wounds.

After the operation, the trauma surgeon will determine when the leg can bear weight again. If immediate weight-bearing isn’t possible, this is usually allowed within 6 to 12 weeks. In most cases, physical therapy starts earlier, and walking with crutches without putting weight on the leg is encouraged. Full, pain-free use of the leg typically takes 3 to 6 months, or sometimes longer.

Patients often experience additional symptoms in the hip or knee due to altered walking and weight-bearing patterns. A thigh brace can be a valuable tool to support your recovery. It provides excellent support and protection, while also being very comfortable to wear.