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Femur Fracture Fixation in India

Surgical treatment for thigh bone fractures using advanced internal fixation techniques

Overview

Femur Fracture Fixation is a critical surgical procedure designed to treat fractures of the femur (thigh bone), which is the longest, strongest, and heaviest bone in the human body. Femoral fractures are typically caused by high-energy trauma such as motor vehicle accidents, motorcycle crashes, falls from height, industrial accidents, or sports injuries, though they can also occur in elderly patients with osteoporosis from low-energy falls. These fractures require immediate surgical intervention to restore proper bone alignment, ensure rapid healing, prevent complications, and enable early mobilization for optimal functional recovery. At Arthoscenter in Patna, Bihar, Dr. Gurudeo Kumar has established himself as one of the region's leading trauma surgeons, having successfully treated over 1,200 femoral fracture cases with exceptional clinical outcomes and union rates exceeding 96%. Our advanced trauma surgery center operates 24/7 with dedicated emergency trauma teams, state-of-the-art C-arm fluoroscopy systems, comprehensive implant inventory including titanium and stainless steel intramedullary nails and plates, expert anesthesia teams, and intensive care facilities to ensure optimal care for every trauma patient requiring urgent surgical intervention. The femur extends from the hip joint to the knee joint and bears the body's weight during standing, walking, running, and all lower extremity activities. Femoral fractures are classified based on location: (1) Proximal femur fractures (femoral neck and intertrochanteric fractures near the hip), (2) Femoral shaft fractures (middle portion of the bone), and (3) Distal femur fractures (near the knee joint). Each fracture pattern requires specific surgical techniques and implant choices to achieve optimal healing and functional outcomes. Femoral shaft fractures, the most common type treated at our center, are typically stabilized using intramedullary nailing (inserting a metal rod through the center of the bone), which provides excellent stability, allows early weight-bearing, has high union rates, and results in faster recovery compared to external fixation or plate fixation. The procedure is performed using minimally invasive techniques with small incisions, advanced imaging guidance, and precise reduction techniques to restore normal bone length, alignment, and rotation. The surgical goals of femur fracture fixation are: (1) Achieve and maintain accurate bone alignment (reduction), (2) Provide rigid internal fixation to allow bone healing, (3) Preserve blood supply to bone fragments to promote healing, (4) Enable early knee and hip mobilization to prevent stiffness, (5) Allow early weight-bearing when appropriate, and (6) Minimize complications such as infection, malunion (improper healing), nonunion (failure to heal), and leg length discrepancy. At Arthoscenter, Dr. Kumar utilizes the latest generation locked intramedullary nails with advanced interlocking screw designs, which provide superior rotational stability and resistance to shortening compared to older nail designs. For complex fracture patterns, he employs advanced techniques including percutaneous plating, external fixation as temporary or definitive treatment, and bone grafting when necessary to promote healing in severe comminuted fractures. Success rates for femoral shaft fracture fixation are excellent, with union rates exceeding 95% when appropriate surgical technique and postoperative care are followed. Most patients can begin partial weight-bearing within 6-8 weeks and progress to full weight-bearing by 10-12 weeks depending on fracture pattern and healing progress. Return to normal daily activities typically occurs within 4-6 months, while return to high-demand activities and sports may take 6-12 months depending on fracture severity, associated injuries, patient age, and rehabilitation adherence. Our comprehensive trauma care program includes immediate emergency assessment with advanced imaging (X-rays, CT scans when needed), rapid surgical intervention (typically within 12-24 hours of injury to minimize complications), expert surgical technique with modern implants, comprehensive postoperative care including pain management and early mobilization protocols, structured physical therapy programs, regular follow-up with X-rays to monitor healing, and long-term functional outcome assessment. We are committed to helping every patient achieve the best possible recovery and return to their pre-injury activity level.

Symptoms & Indications

This surgery may be recommended if you experience:

Severe thigh pain immediately after high-energy trauma

Inability to bear weight or stand on the injured leg

Visible deformity with abnormal leg position or rotation

Significant swelling and bruising of the thigh

Shortening of the injured leg compared to the other side

Open wound with bone visible (open fracture - surgical emergency)

Numbness or tingling in the leg or foot (nerve injury)

Absent or weak pulses in the foot (vascular injury)

Severe pain with any attempted leg movement

Crepitus (grinding sensation) with gentle palpation

Procedure Details

Duration

1.5-3 hours depending on fracture complexity and associated injuries

Anesthesia

General anesthesia or spinal anesthesia with sedation

Preparation for Surgery

Emergency assessment in trauma bay with ATLS protocols. Immediate X-rays of femur (AP and lateral views). CT scan if needed for complex fractures. Neurovascular examination to assess nerve and blood vessel integrity. Temporary splinting and pain management. Pre-surgical labs and medical clearance. NPO (nothing by mouth) status. Antibiotic administration for open fractures.

Surgical Steps

1

General or spinal anesthesia administration with patient positioned supine on fracture table

2

Traction applied to injured leg to restore length and achieve preliminary reduction

3

C-arm fluoroscopy used to confirm fracture reduction and plan nail entry point

4

Small incision made at hip or knee (depending on antegrade vs. retrograde nailing technique)

5

Guide wire inserted across fracture site under fluoroscopic guidance

6

Femoral canal reamed to appropriate diameter using sequential reamers

7

Appropriately sized intramedullary nail inserted over guide wire

8

Proximal and distal interlocking screws inserted through nail to prevent rotation and shortening

9

Final fluoroscopic images obtained to confirm proper nail position, screw placement, and bone alignment

10

Wound closure with sutures and sterile dressing application

Recovery Timeline

What to expect during your recovery journey

Hospital Stay

3-7 days

Pain management, IV antibiotics, DVT prophylaxis. Early knee and hip range of motion exercises. Gait training with walker or crutches. Wound care and monitoring for complications.

Weeks 1-6

6 weeks

Non-weight-bearing or touch-weight-bearing with crutches. Progressive knee and hip mobilization exercises. Pain gradually decreases. Weekly or biweekly follow-up with X-rays to monitor early healing.

Weeks 6-12

6 weeks

Progressive partial weight-bearing based on X-ray evidence of callus formation. Physical therapy intensifies with strengthening exercises. Transition from crutches to cane. Return to light sedentary activities.

Months 3-6

3 months

Full weight-bearing typically achieved by 10-12 weeks. Continued strengthening and functional training. Return to most daily activities. X-rays confirm progressive bone union and remodeling.

Months 6-12

6 months

Complete fracture healing confirmed by X-rays. Return to unrestricted activities including physical labor and sports. Full strength and function typically restored by 9-12 months. Nail removal optional after 1-2 years if symptomatic.

Tips for Faster Recovery

Follow weight-bearing restrictions precisely to prevent hardware failure or malunion

Take calcium (1200mg) and vitamin D (2000 IU) daily to support bone healing

Avoid smoking and alcohol which significantly impair fracture healing

Perform prescribed physical therapy exercises daily to prevent stiffness

Use DVT prophylaxis (blood thinners) as prescribed to prevent blood clots

Watch for warning signs: increasing pain, fever, wound drainage (call immediately)

Attend all follow-up appointments for X-rays to monitor healing progress

Be patient - femur fractures take 4-6 months to fully heal even with surgery

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this procedure

Q1.How long does it take for a femur fracture to heal?

Femoral shaft fractures typically take 4-6 months to fully heal and remodel. Initial bone callus formation (early healing) is usually visible on X-rays by 6-8 weeks, allowing progression to partial weight-bearing. Full weight-bearing is typically permitted by 10-12 weeks. Complete cortical bridging (solid union) is confirmed by X-rays at 4-6 months. Return to high-demand activities and sports usually takes 6-12 months depending on fracture severity, associated injuries, and individual healing capacity.

Q2.Will I need the metal rod (nail) removed after healing?

The intramedullary nail does not necessarily need to be removed and can be left in place permanently in most patients without problems. However, nail removal may be recommended if: (1) the nail causes persistent pain or irritation, (2) there is hardware prominence causing discomfort, (3) you are a young athlete who wants it removed, or (4) you specifically request removal. If removal is desired, it is typically performed 12-24 months after initial surgery once complete bone healing is confirmed. Nail removal is a much simpler and shorter procedure than the initial fracture fixation.

Q3.What is the cost of femur fracture surgery in Bihar?

At Arthoscenter in Patna, the cost of femur fracture fixation ranges from ₹1,20,000 to ₹2,80,000 depending on fracture complexity (simple vs. comminuted), implant type (standard vs. advanced locking nails), hospital stay duration, and whether additional procedures are required. This includes surgeon fees, hospital charges, implants (nail and screws), anesthesia, medications, physiotherapy, and initial follow-up. We accept most insurance plans and can help with claim processing. Emergency cases receive immediate care regardless of payment status.

Q4.Can a femur fracture heal without surgery?

While some stable, non-displaced femoral fractures in children can occasionally heal with traction and casting, the vast majority of femoral shaft fractures in adults require surgical fixation for optimal outcomes. Non-surgical treatment has significant disadvantages including: prolonged bed rest (8-12 weeks) with high risk of complications (blood clots, pneumonia, pressure sores), inability to control rotation and length, high malunion rates, knee and hip stiffness, muscle atrophy, and overall poor functional outcomes. Surgical fixation allows early mobilization, prevents complications, ensures proper alignment, and results in faster recovery and better long-term function.

Q5.What are the risks and complications of femur fracture surgery?

Femur fracture fixation is generally safe with high success rates, but potential risks include: infection (1-2%), blood clots/DVT (2-5% despite prophylaxis), nerve or blood vessel injury (<1%), malunion or nonunion (failure to heal properly, 2-5%), hardware failure (nail or screw breakage, <1%), leg length discrepancy, chronic pain, and knee stiffness. At Arthoscenter, Dr. Kumar uses advanced surgical techniques, modern implants, and comprehensive protocols to minimize these risks. Most patients heal completely without major complications and achieve excellent functional recovery within 6-12 months.

Considering This Surgery?

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