Orthopedics/broken femur

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Expert: Joe A Shaw PA-C - 4/28/2009


Question
i suffered a spiral fracture in my femur 7 weeks ago. i had the surgery that put a rod through my bone. my question is what is the appropriate healing time, approx. i am 50 years old and not overweight and basically in good health. i have not been able to bend my knee since surgery

Answer
Kimberlee,
Spiral fractures indicate rather severe trauma, so it will take many months 6-12 mos to improve. I think the average time a rod(AKA Femur nail,intramedullary Rod or nail)is left in place is about 18 mos. Some may be left in longer or shorter depending on if it is giving the patient problems or not. The quadricep muscles(thigh muscles)where the femur resides do play a significant part in knee flexion and extension, so your PT is aware of this and should be guiding you. After 2 mos I would think some knee function should be coming back so I would continue to check w your ortho surgeon.

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Joe A Shaw PA-C

Expertise

Most general questions that have to do with orthopedic and /or occupational medicine or ergonomics. With a focus on upper extremity disorders such as carpal tunnel syndrome. After many years of treating and diagnosing carpal tunnel syndrome I have developed a detailed website about carpal tunnel syndrome at
Carpal-Tunnel-Symptoms.com

Experience

I have been a board certified Physician Assistant for 17 years, in the fields of occupational and orthopedic medicine.

Organizations
American Academy of Physician Assistants, State Academy of Physician Assistants.

Education/Credentials
Physician Assistant degree from the University of Florida College of Medicine PA program. Bachelor of Health and Science degree. Board Certified Physician Assistant, Ergonomic certification, University of Michigan ergonomics certification. Associate Science degree in Emergency Medical Technology. Former Paramedic, EMT and Firefighter.

Awards and Honors
Current certifications in Advanced Cardiac Life support, and Basic life support, and CPR certification. University of Michigan Ergonomic training and certification.

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