Fractured Femur

What is a Fractured Femur?

The femur, commonly known as the thigh bone, runs between the hip and knee joints. It is the longest and strongest bone in the human body and plays a major role in supporting body weight, walking, and movement.

A fractured femur occurs when this bone cracks or breaks due to trauma or weakening of the bone. Because the femur is essential for movement and weight-bearing, this injury often requires urgent medical treatment and structured rehabilitation.

Femur fractures are generally classified into three main types depending on where the break occurs:

• Proximal femur fracture – occurs near the hip joint and is more common in older adults, often related to osteoporosis.
• Femoral shaft fracture – occurs along the long middle portion of the bone and usually results from high-energy trauma.
• Distal femur fracture – occurs near the knee joint and may affect knee stability and movement.

Each type of fracture requires specific treatment and rehabilitation depending on the severity and location of the injury.

How Does a Femur Fracture Happen?

Femur fractures typically occur due to significant trauma or weakened bone structure.

Common causes include:

• Road traffic accidents
• High-impact falls
• Sports injuries
• Falls in older adults due to osteoporosis
• Direct impact to the thigh
• Falls after joint replacement surgery

For example, younger individuals may experience femoral shaft fractures during high-speed accidents, while older adults may sustain proximal femur fractures after a simple fall due to reduced bone density.

What Are the Symptoms of a Fractured Femur?

A fractured femur usually causes immediate and severe symptoms.

Common symptoms include:

• Severe pain in the thigh or hip
• Inability to bear weight on the leg
• Swelling and bruising around the thigh
• Visible deformity of the leg
• Shortening of the injured leg
• Difficulty moving the hip or knee
• Muscle spasms in the thigh

Because the femur supports body weight, walking or standing is usually extremely difficult after the injury.

What Should I Do If I Have a Fractured Femur?

A fractured femur is a medical emergency and requires immediate hospital care.

If you suspect a femur fracture:

• Avoid moving or putting weight on the injured leg
• Keep the leg supported and still
• Seek emergency medical assistance immediately
• Follow medical advice regarding imaging and treatment

Doctors will usually confirm the diagnosis using X-rays, and additional scans such as CT scans or MRI may be performed to assess the severity of the injury.

Treatment often involves surgical stabilisation, especially for femoral shaft fractures.

Medical Treatment for a Fractured Femur

Treatment depends on the location and severity of the fracture.

Common treatment approaches include:

Surgical Treatment

Many femur fractures require surgery to stabilise the bone.

Common procedures include:

• Intramedullary nailing – inserting a metal rod into the centre of the femur to stabilise the fracture
• Plates and screws – used to secure the bone fragments
• External fixation – temporary stabilisation in severe trauma cases
• Hip replacement – sometimes necessary in severe proximal femur fractures

These procedures help restore proper bone alignment and allow healing.

Conservative Treatment

In some cases where surgery is not suitable, treatment may include:

• Pain management
• Traction to maintain alignment
• Bracing and limited weight-bearing

After initial treatment, rehabilitation with physiotherapy is essential.

Physiotherapy Treatment for a Fractured Femur

Physiotherapy plays a critical role in helping patients recover safely and regain independence after a femur fracture.

At ACE Physio Sports in Singapore, rehabilitation programmes are personalised based on the stage of healing and the patient’s functional goals.

Physiotherapy focuses on:

• Reducing pain and swelling
• Restoring joint mobility
• Rebuilding muscle strength
• Improving balance and coordination
• Supporting safe weight-bearing
• Helping patients return to daily activities and sport

Early Phase Rehabilitation

The early stage focuses on maintaining mobility and preventing complications.

Treatment may include:

• Gentle mobility exercises
• Pain-free range-of-motion exercises
• Soft tissue massage to reduce stiffness
• Breathing and circulation exercises
• Guidance on safe use of walking aids
• Education on movement and posture

Middle Phase Rehabilitation

As healing progresses, strengthening exercises become more important.

Treatment may include:

• Strengthening exercises for the quadriceps
• Strengthening exercises for the hamstrings
• Gluteal muscle strengthening
• Progressive weight-bearing exercises
• Balance training
• Functional movement training

Exercises are progressed gradually to ensure safe recovery.

Late Phase Rehabilitation

The final phase focuses on restoring full function and returning to activity.

Treatment may include:

• Advanced strengthening exercises
• Functional training for walking and climbing stairs
• Endurance training
• Sport-specific rehabilitation
• Coordination and balance training
• Return-to-activity guidance

What Should I Avoid With a Fractured Femur?

During recovery, certain activities should be avoided to prevent complications.

Patients should avoid:

• Weight-bearing before medical clearance
• Sudden or high-impact movements
• Ignoring persistent pain or swelling
• Returning to sports too early
• Skipping physiotherapy rehabilitation

Following a structured rehabilitation programme is essential for safe recovery.

Can There Be Long-Term Effects?

Most femur fractures heal successfully with proper treatment and rehabilitation. However, complications can occur if recovery is incomplete.

Possible long-term effects include:

• Muscle weakness
• Reduced hip or knee mobility
• Persistent pain
• Gait abnormalities
• Joint stiffness
• Increased risk of arthritis in nearby joints

Early physiotherapy significantly improves long-term outcomes and helps patients regain normal function.

Why Choose ACE Physio Sports

At ACE Physio Sports – Singapore, our physiotherapists specialise in orthopaedic rehabilitation, sports injuries, and post-surgical recovery.

Our clinic provides:

• Experienced musculoskeletal physiotherapists
• Personalised rehabilitation programmes
• Evidence-based physiotherapy treatment
• Structured recovery plans for fracture rehabilitation

Conveniently located near East Coast Road, we treat patients from Marine Parade, Katong, Joo Chiat, Siglap, and Bedok.

Book an Appointment

To arrange an appointment, please call +65 81535374 or visit acephysiosport.com.