Premergency First Aid, CPR and AED Manual

8 Muscle, Bone and Joint Injuries

Patients with osteoporosis or other bone diseases, particularly the elderly, are at an increased risk of breaking the femur.

Femur (Upper Leg) Fracture The femur is the large bone of the upper leg, and like all fractures, the break may occur anywhere on the surface of the bone. The hip comprises the proximal portion of the femur and the knee comprises the distal portion. Usually significant force is required to fracture a femur but not always.

Signs and Symptoms Femur fracture

• Deformity, open wound • Tenderness, pain • Swelling • Shortened leg on the injured side • Leg and foot roll outwards • Possible complications include severe internal bleeding

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