Fractured Shaft of Femur

What is a Femoral Shaft Fracture?

The femur, also known as the thigh bone, is the longest and strongest bone in the body. It connects the hip joint to the knee joint and plays a vital role in weight-bearing, walking, and balance.

A femoral shaft fracture occurs when the middle section of the femur breaks. Because the femur is surrounded by powerful muscles, a large amount of force is usually required to cause this injury.

These fractures are considered serious orthopaedic injuries and typically require surgical treatment followed by structured rehabilitation.

How Does a Femoral Shaft Fracture Happen?

Femoral shaft fractures usually occur due to high-energy trauma.

Common causes include:

• Road traffic accidents
• Motorcycle accidents
• Falls from a significant height
• High-impact sports injuries
• Severe trauma to the thigh

In older adults with weakened bones, fractures may occasionally occur after lower-impact falls.

What Are the Symptoms of a Femoral Shaft Fracture?

Symptoms are usually immediate and severe due to the strength of the bone and surrounding muscles.

Common symptoms include:

• Severe pain in the thigh
• Swelling and bruising around the upper leg
• Inability to stand or walk
• Deformity or abnormal position of the leg
• Muscle spasms in the thigh
• Difficulty moving the hip or knee
• Weakness in the affected leg

Because the femur supports body weight, walking or standing is often impossible immediately after the injury.

What Should I Do If I Have a Femoral Shaft Fracture?

A femoral shaft fracture requires urgent medical treatment.

If this injury is suspected:

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

Doctors typically confirm the diagnosis using X-rays, and additional imaging such as CT scans may be used to assess the fracture in detail.

Most femoral shaft fractures require surgical stabilisation.

Surgical Treatment for a Femoral Shaft Fracture

The most common surgical treatment is intramedullary nailing.

During this procedure:

• A metal rod (intramedullary nail) is inserted into the centre of the femur.
• The rod is secured with screws above and below the fracture site.
• This stabilises the bone and allows it to heal in the correct position.

This surgical technique allows early mobilisation and rehabilitation after the injury.

Physiotherapy Treatment for a Femoral Shaft Fracture

Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in helping patients regain strength, mobility, and independence after surgery.

At ACE Physio Sports in Singapore, physiotherapists develop personalised rehabilitation programmes tailored to the stage of healing and the patient’s functional goals.

Physiotherapy aims to:

• Reduce pain and swelling
• Restore hip and knee joint mobility
• Strengthen surrounding muscles
• Improve balance and coordination
• Support safe walking and weight-bearing
• Restore independence in daily activities

Early Rehabilitation Phase

During the early stage of recovery, physiotherapy focuses on safe mobility and preventing complications.

Treatment may include:

• Gentle ankle and leg exercises to improve circulation
• Assisted walking using a walking frame or crutches
• Bed mobility and transfer training
• Pain and swelling management
• Guidance on safe sitting, standing, and walking

Patients usually begin early mobilisation and partial weight-bearing during this phase.

Intermediate Rehabilitation Phase

As pain improves, physiotherapy focuses on restoring joint mobility and muscle strength.

Treatment may include:

• Hip and knee range-of-motion exercises
• Strengthening exercises for the quadriceps, hamstrings, and gluteal muscles
• Gait training to improve walking technique
• Balance exercises to improve stability
• Functional movement training for daily activities

Advanced Rehabilitation Phase

The final stage of rehabilitation focuses on restoring full function and returning to normal activities.

Treatment may include:

• Progressive resistance strengthening exercises
• Functional task training such as sit-to-stand and stair climbing
• Core strengthening for overall stability
• Endurance training
• Balance and proprioception exercises

Additional activities such as gentle cycling or hydrotherapy may be introduced once healing progresses.

What Should I Avoid With a Femoral Shaft Fracture?

During recovery, patients should avoid activities that may interfere with healing.

Avoid the following:

• Weight-bearing without medical guidance
• High-impact activities
• Sudden twisting movements of the leg
• Returning to sports too early
• Ignoring persistent pain or swelling

Following physiotherapy advice is essential for safe recovery.

Can There Be Long-Term Effects?

Most femoral shaft fractures heal successfully with proper treatment and rehabilitation.

However, possible complications may include:

• Reduced hip or knee mobility
• Muscle weakness
• Gait abnormalities
• Persistent thigh pain
• Reduced endurance

Recovery time varies between individuals, but return to normal activities typically occurs within 6–12 weeks, while full recovery may take up to 6 months.

Early physiotherapy significantly improves long-term outcomes.

Why Choose ACE Physio Sports

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

Our clinic offers:

• Experienced musculoskeletal physiotherapists
• Personalised rehabilitation programmes
• Evidence-based physiotherapy treatments
• 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.