Fracture of thigh bone (femur): its causes and first aid treatment
Fractures of the neck of the thigh bone (femur) at the hip joint are common in the elderly women, who have become more brittle after menopause.
A fracture the shaft of the femur develops due to severe force e.g. road accidents, or falls from heights.
- Pain at the site of the injury.
- Inability to walk.
- A patient with impacted fracture of the neck of femur may be able to walk around for some time after the fracture develops.
- There may be shortening of the thigh, as powerful muscles pull broken bone ends towards each other.
- Knee and foot are tuned outwards.
- Signs of shock may be present.
First Aid
- Treat shock. Do not raise the legs.
- Immobilize the thigh by bandaging it to the sound limb up to below the knee. Alternatively a well-padded splint may be applied between the legs from the groin to the foot. Insert padding between the thighs, knees, and ankles. Tie the feet and ankles to the splint with a figure of eight bandage.
- Apply a long well-padded splint from axilla to foot, tying 7 bandages at chest, below the arm pits, pelvis, hip joints, thigh, and ankles.
- Shift him to a hospital immediately.
- If the victim has to be transported over a long distance, a sturdier support is needed for the leg. A femoral fraction splint e.g. Thomas’ splint, is ideal. But it can be used only by trained personnel. During transport, keep the foot of the raised to minimize swelling and shock.
