How long does it take for a spiral fracture of the femur to heal?
Spiral fracture femur recovery time Most femoral shaft fractures take 3 to 6 months to completely heal. Some take even longer, especially if the fracture was open or broken into several pieces or if the patient uses tobacco products.
How do you fix a spiral fracture of the femur?
Most spiral fractures require surgery and general anesthesia. Less severe cases, where the bone is not fully separated, may be operated on using local anesthesia. If the two ends of the bone are separated then an open reduction surgery will be necessary.
What is a spiral break in the femur?
Spiral fractures are a type of broken bone. They happen when one of your bones is broken with a twisting motion. They create a fracture line that wraps around your bone and looks like a corkscrew. You might see spiral fractures referred to as complete fractures.
How long does it take to recover from a spiral fracture?
In total, it often takes between 4 and 6 months for a full recovery from a spiral fracture. Severe injuries may take as long as 18 months to heal properly.
Can you still walk on a fractured femur?
Most people experiencing a femur fracture can begin walking with the help of a physical therapist in the first day or two after injury and/or surgery.
What do they do for a spiral fracture?
A spiral fracture is usually treated right away with surgery. After the surgery, a cast may be worn. Most spiral fractures involve the long bones of the legs such as the femur, tibia and fibula, but can also include the long bones of the arm including the humerus, ulna and radius.
Why is a spiral fracture considered as being suspicious?
Accidental spiral fractures of the tibia are common in preschool children who fall short distances onto an extended leg, and are often called “toddler’s fractures.” Spiral fractures in very young children are highly suspicious for abuse since they are the result of forceful twisting or jerking of an extremity.
How do you sleep with a broken femur?
You should sleep lying flat on your back with your broken femur elevated above the level of your heart. Sleeping like this can keep your broken femur from swelling. As you recover, you’ll likely want to move around your home on your own. Ask your healthcare provider how much weight you can put on your leg.
Can a spiral fracture be accidental?
Can you walk around with a fractured femur?
Full recovery from a femur fracture can take anywhere from 12 weeks to 12 months. But you are not alone. Most people experiencing a femur fracture can begin walking with the help of a physical therapist in the first day or two after injury and/or surgery.