Femur Fractures
Femur Fractures: Causes, Treatment, and Physiotherapy for Recovery
A femur fracture is a serious injury that involves a break in the thighbone, which is the longest and strongest bone in the human body. Given its strength, it takes a significant amount of force, such as a car accident or a high-impact fall, to fracture the femur. Recovering from a femur fracture is a lengthy process, but with the right treatment and physiotherapy, you can regain full mobility and strength. At Brisbane Physiotherapy, we support patients through their rehabilitation journey with tailored, effective recovery plans.
Causes of Femur Fractures
Femur fractures typically occur from high-energy trauma or stress, and the causes can include:
Traumatic Injuries: Motor vehicle accidents are the most common cause of femur fractures, as the force involved is often substantial enough to break the bone. Falls from significant heights can also lead to femur fractures.
Sports Injuries: High-impact sports like football, rugby, or skiing can lead to femur fractures, particularly in situations where collisions or falls are involved.
Osteoporosis: In older adults, especially those with osteoporosis, even a minor fall can cause a femur fracture. Weakened bones are more susceptible to breaking, especially in the elderly population.
Stress Fractures: Athletes involved in long-distance running or high-impact activities can suffer from stress fractures in the femur, which develop gradually due to repetitive strain on the bone.
Types of Femur Fractures
Femur fractures can vary in severity and type, with the most common including:
Transverse Fracture: A horizontal break across the femur.
Oblique Fracture: A diagonal break along the bone.
Comminuted Fracture: When the bone shatters into three or more pieces.
Open Fracture: A break where the bone pierces the skin, increasing the risk of infection.
Physiotherapy for Femur Fractures
Physiotherapy is crucial in the recovery process following a femur fracture. After surgery or immobilisation, rehabilitation helps restore movement, strength, and function to the affected leg. At Brisbane Physiotherapy, we offer personalised treatment plans to ensure a full recovery.
Restoring Mobility: Early physiotherapy focuses on gentle exercises to restore range of motion in the hip and knee, which are often affected by a femur fracture. Gradual stretching and mobility exercises help prevent stiffness and improve flexibility.
Strengthening Exercises: Once mobility is restored, we introduce progressive strengthening exercises targeting the muscles around the hip, thigh, and knee. Strengthening these muscles is essential to support the leg and prevent future injuries.
Weight-Bearing Exercises: As healing progresses, physiotherapists will guide you through controlled weight-bearing exercises to regain your ability to walk and balance properly. These exercises are crucial for restoring function and preventing complications like muscle atrophy.
Gait Training: If you have been using crutches or a walker, gait retraining will be necessary to ensure proper walking patterns as you transition back to independent mobility.
Conclusion
Femur fractures are serious injuries that require both medical and rehabilitative care. At Brisbane Physiotherapy, we are committed to helping patients regain full strength, mobility, and independence after a femur fracture. Through targeted, personalised physiotherapy, we support your recovery every step of the way. If you’re recovering from a femur fracture, contact us today to start your rehabilitation journey.
