The upper leg bone — known as the femur — is the strongest and longest bone in the human body. It supports your weight, connects the hip to the knee, and plays a vital role in mobility. Because of its strength, it takes significant force to break. When a fracture occurs, it’s considered a serious injury that requires immediate orthopedic attention.
An upper leg fracture (or femur fracture) can occur anywhere along the bone, from the upper shaft near the hip to the lower portion near the knee. It can result from trauma, falls, or underlying bone conditions that weaken the skeleton.
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, we specialize in the accurate diagnosis and advanced treatment of upper leg fractures, helping patients across Pearland, Houston, Friendswood, and Southeast Texas regain stability, strength, and confidence through expert orthopedic care.
The femur connects the hip joint to the knee joint and is critical for walking, standing, and absorbing shock. A fracture occurs when a break develops in the bone, ranging from a hairline crack to a complete break with bone displacement.
Fractures are classified based on location and severity:
- Femoral Shaft Fracture: A break along the long, middle portion of the femur — usually due to high-impact trauma.
- Proximal Femur Fracture: Near the hip joint, sometimes involving the femoral neck (often overlaps with hip fractures).
- Distal Femur Fracture: Near the knee joint, may extend into the knee cartilage.
- Open (Compound) Fracture: The bone pierces the skin, increasing infection risk.
- Closed Fracture: The bone remains internal but is broken.
Because the femur supports the entire body during movement, even minor fractures can significantly affect function and quality of life.
Causes and Risk Factors
Upper leg fractures typically result from high-energy trauma, but certain medical conditions can also make the bone more susceptible to breaking.
Common causes include:
- Motor vehicle or motorcycle accidents: The leading cause of femur fractures in adults.
- Severe falls: Especially from heights or during sports.
- Direct impact injuries: Common in contact sports or workplace accidents.
- Osteoporosis: Weakens bone density, increasing fracture risk even with minor falls.
- Pathologic fractures: Occur when disease (such as cancer or infection) weakens the bone.
- Repetitive stress: Long-term overuse in athletes can cause stress fractures.
Risk factors include:
- Advanced age or post-menopausal bone loss
- Previous fractures or bone surgery
- Vitamin D or calcium deficiency
- Chronic steroid use
- Sedentary lifestyle or poor muscle strength
- Balance problems or fall risk
An upper leg fracture is usually extremely painful and immediately disabling.
Common symptoms include:
- Sudden, severe pain in the thigh or upper leg
- Swelling, bruising, or deformity of the leg
- Inability to stand, walk, or bear weight
- Shortened or rotated appearance of the injured leg
- Numbness, tingling, or coldness in the leg (if blood flow or nerves are affected)
If the fracture is open, bleeding may be visible, requiring emergency care.
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, Dr. Robert L. Burke, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon, performs a detailed evaluation to confirm the diagnosis and determine the most appropriate treatment approach.
Diagnostic process includes:
- Medical history and trauma review: Understanding how the injury occurred.
- Physical examination: Assessing deformity, swelling, bruising, and circulation.
Imaging:
- X-rays: Identify the location and pattern of the fracture.
- CT scan: Provides detailed 3D visualization for surgical planning.
- MRI: Detects associated soft-tissue or ligament damage.
- Bone-density testing: May be used if osteoporosis or bone weakness is suspected.
This comprehensive evaluation ensures precise treatment planning tailored to each patient’s injury and recovery goals.
Treatment for upper leg fractures depends on the type, location, and severity of the break. The primary goals are to stabilize the bone, promote healing, and restore mobility.
Non-Surgical Treatments
- Immobilization: Casting or bracing for minor, non-displaced fractures.
- Pain management: Anti-inflammatory or pain-relief medications.
- May assist in bone and soft tissue healing in minor fractures or recovery phases.
- Gradual exercises to maintain flexibility and rebuild strength once the bone begins to heal.
Surgical Treatments
Most upper leg fractures require surgical intervention to properly align and stabilize the bone.
Common procedures include:
- Intramedullary Nailing: Insertion of a metal rod through the bone marrow canal to stabilize the fracture.
- Plates and Screws: Used for fractures near joints or with multiple bone fragments.
- External Fixation: A temporary frame outside the leg holds bones in place during initial healing.
- Reconstructive Surgery: For complex or comminuted (shattered) fractures requiring bone grafts or tissue reconstruction.
- Joint Replacement: Used when fractures extend into the hip or knee joint, damaging the cartilage.
Dr. Burke tailors each procedure to the patient’s condition, age, and recovery needs, prioritizing both stability and long-term function.
Recovery and Rehabilitation
Recovery from a femur fracture requires time, patience, and professional rehabilitation. Healing typically takes several months, depending on the fracture’s complexity.
Typical recovery timeline:
- Initial healing: 8–12 weeks
- Full weight-bearing: 3–6 months after surgery
- Complete recovery: 6–12 months with therapy and strengthening
Rehabilitation goals:
- Restore range of motion and flexibility
- Strengthen quadriceps, hamstrings, and hip stabilizers
- Improve balance and gait mechanics
- Prevent complications such as stiffness or muscle atrophy
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, rehabilitation programs are personalized and carefully monitored to ensure safe, steady progress.
Complications and Long-Term Outlook
If untreated or improperly managed, upper leg fractures can result in:
- Malunion (improper bone healing)
- Leg-length discrepancy
- Chronic pain or stiffness
- Nerve or vascular damage
- Arthritis in adjacent joints
- Infection (especially with open fractures)
With proper surgical alignment and rehabilitation, most patients recover excellent leg function and strength. Early intervention and adherence to post-surgical care are key to a successful outcome.
Prevention
While not all accidents can be prevented, certain habits can reduce the risk of fractures:
- Maintain strong bones through calcium and vitamin D intake
- Engage in regular weight-bearing exercise
- Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol use
- Address balance issues to prevent falls
- Use safety equipment during sports or physical work
- Undergo bone-density testing if at risk for osteoporosis
Preventive orthopedic care helps reduce the likelihood of fractures and improves overall joint health.
You should seek immediate emergency care if:
- You experience sudden, severe pain after trauma or a fall
- The leg appears deformed, shortened, or rotated
- You cannot bear weight on the injured leg
- There is visible bleeding or bone protrusion
- You experience numbness or coldness in the foot or toes
Prompt orthopedic evaluation ensures safe stabilization and minimizes long-term complications.
Take the First Step Toward Recovery
A femur fracture is a serious injury, but with advanced treatment and professional rehabilitation, full recovery is possible.
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, we provide comprehensive orthopedic care for complex leg injuries — from diagnosis to rehabilitation — helping patients regain strength, stability, and independence.
We proudly serve Pearland, Houston, Friendswood, and Southeast Texas, offering compassionate care and surgical expertise for every stage of healing.
Call (713) 436-3488 or Request an Appointment Online to schedule your consultation with Dr. Robert L. Burke, board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in trauma and reconstructive procedures.
