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Treatment

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

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  • Immediate treatment at the site of the accident

If the patient is treated at the site of the accident then shock should be treated and the fracture splinted before the patient is moved. A Thomas' splint is ideal for transport of the patient: this device involves threading the leg through the ring of the splint and pulling it straight; traction is then maintained by tying the shod foot to the cross-piece; the splint and the limb are firmly bandaged together.

  • Definitive treatment

A closed fracture is treated by closed reduction and closed nailing e.g. by inserting an intramedullary nail from the proximal end of the bone, under x-ray control, without exposing the fracture.

In many centres open fractures of the femoral shaft are also treated by intramedullary nailing.

Exercises are begun after the operation. The patient may be allowed to walk with the aid of crutches, allowing limited weight-bearing, within a week or two of the operation. The patient can only resume full weight-bearing when the fracture is seen to have united on x-ray.


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The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

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