Overview

The thigh bone, also called the "femur", is the largest and strongest bone in your body. A femur fracture is a crack or a break of this bone.

Causes

You can fracture your femur if you fall hard on your leg. A road accident may cause a fracture. Conditions that weaken your bones make a fracture more likely.

Types of Fractures

Femur fractures can happen near the hip socket, along the shaft (the middle) of the bone, or down near the knee. Your bone may break in a clean line. It may break at an angle or in a spiral pattern. It can break into many pieces. With a very serious break, a piece of bone may pierce through the skin.

Symptoms

If you break your femur, it hurts a lot. You won't be able to put weight on your leg. Your leg may look shorter than normal. It may not be straight.

Treatment

Most femur fractures need surgery. You may need a cast or a brace. Physical therapy is an important part of recovery. Your healthcare provider can create a care plan that is right for your needs.