Minneapolis Femur Fracture Attorney
Terry, Slane & Ruohonen is a leading Minneapolis Personal Injury law firm with a reputation for getting the job done. Our personal injury attorneys are experts at establishing fault in complex medical cases, including leg fractures. Call 612-362-0000 or contact us online.
The femur is the longest, strongest bone in the body. It takes extreme force to fracture a healthy femur. That high-intensity force can be experienced in a serious motor vehicle accident, bicycle accident, or a severe fall.
Types of Femur Fractures
The four main classifications of fractures are:
- Simple fracture: It has only one fracture line. The bone is broken into 2 pieces.
- Comminuted fracture: It has more than one fracture line. The bone is broken into more than 2 pieces.
- Closed fracture: The skin is intact.
- Open fracture: The skin is broken, soft tissue and / or bone are exposed. Infection and contamination are dangers in open fractures.
Femur Fractures: Surgical Options
A femur fracture is considered a major injury, usually requiring surgery to align and immobilize the fracture site. There are three types of surgical treatment for a femoral shaft fracture:
- A metal rod, called a intramedullary rod, is inserted into the core of the femur during surgery. The rod is secured with screws and is usually left in place permanently. This treatment is the most frequently recommended of all the options — surgical or non-surgical.
- Another option is a metal plate placed along the fracture and secured with screws. This method allows for earlier mobility. The drawback in that the plate bears the weight during healing, which leaves the bone with residual weakness.
- The third option for a femur fracture is an external fixator. The frame is attached to the femur with pins. This option may be recommended if the femur fracture includes extensive injury to the surrounding soft tissue. There is risk of infection at the pin insertion points.
Femur Fractures: Non-Surgical Options
Non-surgical treatment of a femur fracture is an option, but less popular.
- Traction used to be the standard method of treatment for a femur fracture. In traction, the leg is put in a cast and adhesives or metal pins are used to attach weighted strings. X-rays have to be taken at regular intervals to check the position of the femur. The x-rays will help the doctor know what adjustments need to be made in the weight placements. This method is effective, but requires an extended hospitalization. If metal pins are used for traction, there is risk of infection.
- A spica cast can be used on very young children with good success. It extends the length of the leg, goes up over the hips, and includes part of the other leg.
Minneapolis Femur Fracture Attorney
A femur fracture takes at least 3-6 months to heal. That means if you have sustained a femur fracture, you may miss months of work. You may also suffer permanent consequences. You need the expert legal representation of Terry, Slane & Ruohonen. Our partners have been named Minnesota Super Lawyers many times by Minneapolis St. Paul Magazine. Call 612-362-0000 or contact us for a free consultation.
