Displaced Spiral Fracture of the Femur: Symptoms, Treatment, and Recovery
Displaced spiral fracture of the shaft of the femur is a severe orthopedic condition characterized by a broken thigh bone that has fractured in a spiral pattern, resulting in misalignment and separation of the bone fragments. This type of fracture often occurs due to high-energy trauma, such as a car accident or a fall from a significant height.
Symptoms of a displaced spiral fracture of the femur include severe pain, swelling, bruising, and the inability to bear weight on the affected leg. The fracture is typically visible on an X-ray, revealing the twisted nature of the broken bone segments.
Treatment for this condition typically involves surgical intervention to realign and stabilize the fractured bone fragments using metal plates, screws, or rods. In some cases, external fixation devices may be used to hold the bones in place during the healing process. Physical therapy and rehabilitation are crucial components of recovery to restore strength, range of motion, and functionality to the affected leg.
Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are essential for a successful recovery and to prevent long-term complications, such as limb length discrepancy or joint stiffness.