For long bone fractures (femur, tibia, humerus)

Long Bone Fractures: Femur, Tibia, and Humerus – Complete Guide

Introduction

Bone fractures are a common result of accidents, falls, or sports injuries. Among the most severe are long bone fractures, which affect the femur (thigh bone), tibia (shin bone), and humerus (upper arm bone). These bones are critical for mobility and support, and their fractures often require prompt medical attention and specialized treatment.

What is a Bone Fracture?

A bone fracture is a medical term for a broken bone. It occurs when a force applied to the bone is stronger than the bone can handle. Fractures can range from minor cracks to complete breaks.

Causes of Long Bone Fractures

• Trauma: Falls, road accidents, and direct blows.
• Sports injuries: Especially in contact sports or high-impact activities.
• Osteoporosis: Weakens bones, increasing the risk of fractures.
• Repetitive stress: Such as overuse in running or jumping.
• Pathological fractures: Caused by diseases that weaken bones (e.g., cancer).

Symptoms of Long Bone Fractures

• Intense pain at the injury site
• Swelling, bruising, or tenderness
• Deformity or abnormal positioning of the limb
• Inability to bear weight or move the affected area
• Visible bone protrusion (in open fractures)

Types of Long Bone Fractures

Fractures can be classified in several ways:

1. Based on Pattern

• Transverse fracture: Straight line across the bone.
• Oblique fracture: Angled break across the bone.
• Spiral fracture: Twisting force causes a spiral break.
• Comminuted fracture: Bone shatters into multiple pieces.
• Greenstick fracture: Partial fracture, common in children.
• Segmental fracture: Two distinct fractures in the same bone.
• Longitudinal fracture: Runs along the length of the bone.

2. Based on Exposure

• Closed fracture: Skin remains intact.
• Open (Compound) fracture: Bone pierces the skin, increasing infection risk.

3. Based on Alignment

• Displaced fracture: Bone fragments are misaligned.
• Non-displaced fracture: Bone remains in proper position.

Specific Long Bone Fractures

Femur (Thigh Bone) Fractures

• Among the strongest bones but can break due to high-impact trauma.
• Usually requires surgery, often with rods, plates, or nails.
• Long recovery period with physiotherapy.

Tibia (Shin Bone) Fractures

• Most commonly fractured long bone.
• May be treated with a cast or surgery depending on displacement and severity.
• Weight-bearing is often restricted during recovery.

Humerus (Upper Arm Bone) Fractures

• Can occur near the shoulder, mid-arm, or near the elbow.
• Non-displaced fractures may heal with a sling.
• Severe cases require surgical fixation.

Diagnosis

• Physical examination
• X-rays: Primary tool for visualizing bone fractures.
• CT scan or MRI: Used for complex fractures or to evaluate surrounding soft tissue.

Treatment Options

• Immobilization: Splints, casts, or braces.
• Surgery: Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF) with screws, rods, or plates.
• Traction: In some femur fractures.
• Pain management and anti-inflammatory medications.
• Physiotherapy: Essential for regaining mobility and strength.