Treatment / Fractures / Femur Fracture Repair

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FRACTURES | LAS VEGAS

Femur Fracture Repair

Dr. Andrew Lee, MD | Nevada Spine Clinic, Las Vegas, Nevada

Understanding Femur Anatomy

The femur is the longest and strongest bone in the body. The femoral shaft is the cylindrical segment between the hip and knee. Femoral shaft fractures typically result from high-energy trauma such as motor vehicle accidents and require surgical stabilization to restore alignment and allow early rehabilitation.

Dr. Andrew Lee at Nevada Spine Clinic and Southern Hills Hospital in Las Vegas evaluates each fracture individually to determine the most appropriate fixation strategy based on fracture pattern, bone quality, and patient goals.

Fracture Types and Patterns

  • Femoral Shaft Fracture: Fracture of the midshaft femur requiring intramedullary nail stabilization to restore alignment and allow early mobilization.
  • Distal Femur Fracture: Fractures near the knee joint require plate fixation or retrograde nail depending on fracture pattern and involvement of the joint surface.
  • Periprosthetic Fracture: Fracture occurring around a prior knee replacement requiring specialized  implants and fixation.

When Surgery Is Required

Femoral fractures require surgical stabilization. Dr. Andrew Lee at Nevada Spine Clinic and Southern Hills Hospital in Las Vegas treats femoral fractures using techniques selected based on fracture pattern, soft tissue status, and patient factors.

Femur Fracture Repair

Femoral shaft fractures are treated with intramedullary nailing, where a metal rod is passed through the medullary canal of the femur to stabilize the fracture from within the bone. This technique allows early weight bearing and rehabilitation while minimizing soft tissue disruption. Distal femur fractures are treated with plate fixation to restore articular congruity when the joint surface is involved.

The primary goals of this procedure are to:
  • Restore femoral alignment and length
  • Allow early mobilization and rehabilitation
  • Achieve solid bone healing
  • Return to functional ambulation

Potential Risks

  • Infection: Fracture fixation carries infection risk. Preventive antibiotics are given and proper wound care is essential during recovery.
  • Nonunion: The fracture may fail to heal requiring additional surgical intervention.
  • Malunion: The fracture may heal in a non-anatomic position affecting function.
  • Hardware complications: Implant loosening or breakage may require revision.
  • Post-traumatic arthritis: Joint fractures can lead to accelerated arthritis despite optimal
  • Nerve or vascular injury: Risk varies by fracture location and surgical approach.

Postoperative Recovery

Recovery depends on fracture severity, fixation achieved, and patient factors. Dr. Andrew Lee at Nevada Spine Clinic in Las Vegas provides individualized rehabilitation guidance to optimize bone healing and functional recovery.

Weight bearing restrictions and activity timelines are determined at follow-up appointments based on fracture healing progress on imaging.

What to Expect After Surgery

Pain decreases progressively as healing occurs over six to twelve weeks. Functional recovery continues for three to six months following surgery. Dr. Lee monitors healing with imaging at regular follow-up visits.

Most patients return to independent daily activity within six to twelve weeks, with full recovery over three to six months depending on fracture complexity and patient factors.

Do not soak your wound.

No bathtub, swimming, or hot tub until cleared by Dr. Lee.

Wound Care and Medication Management

Follow all wound care instructions at discharge. Avoid soaking the incision in water until cleared by Dr. Lee. Pat the wound dry after showering and apply a clean bandage.

Monitor the incision for increasing redness, warmth, swelling, or drainage and contact Nevada Spine Clinic immediately if any of these occur. Prescription refills require forty-eight hours advance notice.

Activity Guidelines After Surgery

Follow the specific weight bearing restrictions provided by Dr. Lee. These are individualized to your fracture pattern and the fixation achieved at surgery. Do not bear weight beyond prescribed limits until cleared at follow-up.

Contact Nevada Spine Clinic or go to the nearest emergency room for fever, sudden increase in pain, inability to bear weight as previously tolerated, or wound
concerns.

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No bathtub, swimming, or hot tub until cleared by Dr. Lee.

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Dr. Andrew Lee, MD | Nevada Spine Clinic, Las Vegas

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