Traction in the Treatment of Femur Fractures

Traction in the Treatment of Femur Fractures

Among the possible bone fractures that an individual might sustain in a traumatic accident, femur fractures are among the most severe. The femur is a very thick bone that makes up the thigh. The femur runs from the hip to the knee. Because the femur is so thick, a significant force is required to cause a fracture. Furthermore, because such a considerable force is needed, femur fractures are often incredibly severe. According to information published in one research study:

  • The two most common mechanisms of a femur fracture are auto accidents and fall injuries.
  • Femur fractures in a car accident tend to be more common in teenagers and adults.
  • Femur fractures due to falls tend to be more common in toddlers and the elderly.
  • Other causes of femur fractures include sports and physical assaults.

If an individual sustains a femur fracture, there are serious complications that can develop. To prevent these complications from causing significant quality-of-life issues, it is important for people to seek treatment as quickly as possible. One part of this treatment plan is a procedure called traction.

Definition of Traction in the Treatment of a Femur Fracture

The main goal of a traction splint is to provide stability to a femur fracture. When people suffer a severe femur fracture, such as that in an auto accident, there are major complications which might develop. Some of these include:

  • The development of a deep vein thrombosis
  • An acute hemorrhage which can lead to a life-threatening amount of blood loss
  • Severe pain
  • Nerve damage

The job of traction is to try and prevent this from happening. In a traction splint, the bone fragments are stabilized. This prevents the fragments from moving around, possibly damaging important structures in the area. Furthermore, even though traction might be painful at first, the fracture is, ultimately, stabilize. This will make the individual more comfortable.

Watch YouTube Video: The YouTube video below demonstrates how to make a traction splint for a femur fracture.

The Removal of Traction

Eventually, the traction splint will need to be removed to repair the fracture. The traction splint is often left in place while an individual is riding in the ambulance on the way to the hospital. Once an orthopedic surgeon arrives to assess the fracture, the traction splint may be removed. Imaging studies are often completed to see if the person requires surgical repair. If surgery is needed, the person will be taken to the operating room so that the fracture can be reduced and placed in the proper anatomical position. If the traction splint was used properly, it could lead to improved prognosis.

Contacting an Injury Lawyer

While a loved one is receiving surgery to repair a serious injury, loved ones might have several questions regarding the accident and its injury. Everyone deserves to have their questions answered, which is why meeting with a femur fracture lawyer in Sacramento can be helpful. No family should have to face this difficult time alone. Reach out to an experienced femur fracture lawyer in Sacramento today. You could be deserving of a monetary award.

Femur Fracture Lawyers in Sacramento

I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento femur fracture lawyer. Traction is useful for the treatment of a femur fracture. If you or a member of your family were involved in a major accident and was subsequently diagnosed with a serious fracture of the femur, please reach out to me at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 for free, friendly legal advice.

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