How do you fix a spiral fracture of the femur?

Surgery. 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.

Do spiral fractures always require surgery?

Spiral fractures are almost always caused by falls or other traumas. You might need surgery to repair your bone. How long it takes to recover fully depends on which of your bones are fractured — and what caused the breaks. Most people need a few months to recover from a spiral fracture.

How long does a spiral femur take to heal?

Treatment for a stable spiral fracture If the spiral fracture is stable, treatment will usually involve keeping the bone immobilized with a cast for a period of four to six weeks. A stable fracture is generally more common in children.

How long does a child’s femur take to heal?

It generally takes 4 to 12 months for a femur fracture to heal completely.

Is it hard for a child to break their femur?

Your child has a break (fracture) in his or her thighbone (femur). The femur is a strong bone and is very hard to break. So a femur fracture is often the result of great force during severe trauma (such as a car accident, bad fall, or serious sports injury).

How serious is a spiral fracture?

Spiral fractures are usually serious injuries and carry the risk of complications. When long bones are broken on an angle, they often separate into two parts that do not align and have rough, uneven edges. This fracture can make it difficult to put the bone back together.

Are spiral fractures common in toddlers?

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.

Is a spiral fracture a break?

Spiral fractures are complete fractures of long bones that result from a rotational force applied to the bone. Spiral fractures are usually the result of high energy trauma and are likely to be associated with displacement.

Can a spiral fracture be accidental?

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. Fig.

How long does it take for a broken femur to heal in a child?

Femur fractures can heal in as little as 4-6 weeks in very young children and 3-4 months or more in adolescents Return to activities and sports will be determined by your surgeon based on the injury, fracture healing, and your child’s age. Return to activities before the healing is complete can lead to repeat injury.

How are femoral shaft fractures managed in pediatric fractures?

Femoral shaft fractures are the most common major pediatric injuries managed by the orthopaedic surgeon. Management is influenced by associated injuries or multiple trauma, fracture personality, age, family issues, and cost. In addition, child abuse should be considered in a young child with a femoral fracture.

What is a spiral fracture?

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. This means the line of the break goes all the way through your bone.

What are the most common causes of pediatric femur fractures?

Events with the highest risk for pediatric femur fractures include: Falling hard on the playground Taking a hit in contact sports Being in a motor vehicle accident Child abuse

Why does my child need an X-ray for her femur fracture?

Your child’s healthy leg may also be x-rayed for comparison. The orthopaedic doctor will also check the x-ray for any damage to the growth area (growth plate) near the end of the femur. This is the part that enables the child’s bone to grow.