Surgical therapy | Femur fracture

Surgical therapy

A fracture of the thigh must be treated surgically in most cases. Only in this way can a sufficiently high stability be built up in the area of the fracture ends. Surgical correction of the femur fracture is performed under general or regional anesthesia.

In addition, the blood circulation in the leg can be reduced by applying a tight cuff in the case of a femur fracture close to the knee joint, thus preventing greater blood loss. During the surgical procedure, the fragments are brought back into an optimal position in relation to each other. Foreign materials in the form of screws or plates are used for this purpose.

Depending on the location of the femur fracture, the application of a so-called intramedullary nail may also be necessary.This intramedullary nail is inserted into the bone marrow cavity through an access point located at some distance from the fracture. In some cases, additional fixation of the intramedullary nail is achieved with a transverse bolt. A fracture near the hip joint must be fixed with special elements.

In this context, so-called gamma nails, dynamic hip screws or special angle plates are particularly suitable. If the femoral head is directly affected and severely damaged, it may be necessary to insert an artificial hip joint. This is especially the case if the bone substance has been severely damaged (e.g. if there is pronounced arthrosis).

In addition, a femur fracture can be corrected by a so-called external fixator. This device is a connecting structure specially manufactured for broken bones, which is placed outside the body and fixed in the bone with screws. After the operation, a drainage tube usually has to be inserted into the surgical site.

In this way, blood and wound fluid are collected. The drainage can usually be removed after a few days. After the fracture has healed, the foreign material introduced into the bone can either be left in place or removed in another operation. Which option is best for each patient depends on several factors and should be discussed with the treating physician.