The femur, also known as the thighbone, is the largest and strongest bone in the human body. In children, fractures of the thighbone can happen due to a hard fall onto the ground, being struck during sports activities, car accidents, or in cases of child abuse. When a thighbone breaks, the bones might remain in their normal position or be out of place. The fracture can be either closed, meaning the skin is not broken, or open, where the bone protrudes through the skin. A child with a thighbone fracture may feel intense pain, notice swelling, have difficulty standing or walking, and experience limited movement in the hip or knee area.
Your child’s doctor will conduct a physical examination. An X-ray or CT-scan may be recommended to locate the position and number of fractures, and determine if the growth plate is damaged. Femur fractures may be treated with non-surgical or surgical methods.
Non-surgical treatment focuses on keeping the bones in place so they can heal and join together. Methods such as braces, spica casting, which involves a cast that covers the chest and the broken leg, or traction, which uses a weight system to position the leg correctly, may be used to ensure the bones are aligned properly in their natural position.
Surgery is recommended for more serious injuries. The surgeon will realign the broken bones and use metal plates and screws to hold the fractured bones in the right position. Your child may need to wear a cast for several weeks until the bones have completely healed. In situations where the skin and muscles are also damaged, an external fixator may be used instead.
