When Can I Walk Again After a Femur Fracture?

When can a person walk after a femoral fracture?

I had a closed fracture of my right thigh in a car accident on May 25th of this year, and I underwent surgery on May 26th.
The first image is a photo taken right after the surgery, and the left side shows the X-ray taken right after the fracture.
The second image is the X-ray from June 15th when I had my stitches removed.
The third image is from a follow-up appointment on July 13th, which was about a month and a half post-surgery.
The doctor mentioned that the bone is healing at a normal rate, but I still cannot use a single crutch; I can only put half of my weight on the injured leg using both crutches.
I would like to ask the doctor if, based on this healing rate, I might be able to use a single crutch by my next appointment on August 10th.
Additionally, how much longer after that will it take before I can fully rely on a crutch? I am concerned because I need to return to work at the end of August, and I am worried about the inconvenience of taking the bus and walking for about 5 to 10 minutes.
Thank you very much! (My job will only involve sitting in an office, but I am worried about the bus and walking issues.) Thank you, doctor!

Pin, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/07/17

Dr. Li Yongheng reply Orthopedics

It is recommended that you continue to follow your attending physician's advice to avoid complications.
Regarding your follow-up appointment on August 10, your physician will take another X-ray.
After reviewing the X-ray, your physician will inform you whether you can use a crutch.
Typically, for a femoral fracture, you should be able to use a crutch fully after three months (but of course, you should always adhere to the instructions given by your attending physician).
Wishing you a speedy recovery.

Reply Date: 2017/07/17

More Info

After a femur fracture, the timeline for returning to normal walking can vary significantly based on several factors, including the severity of the fracture, the type of surgical intervention, and individual healing rates. In your case, you experienced a closed femur fracture on May 25 and underwent surgery the following day. The healing process is typically divided into stages, and understanding these stages can help you gauge when you might be able to walk again without assistance.

Based on the information provided, it seems that you are currently in the early stages of recovery. After surgery, the initial focus is on protecting the fracture site and allowing the bone to heal. This usually involves limited weight-bearing activities, often requiring the use of crutches or a walker. Your doctor has indicated that the bone is healing at a normal rate, which is encouraging.

Typically, after a femur fracture, patients are advised to avoid putting full weight on the affected leg for at least 6 to 8 weeks. During this time, physical therapy may begin to help improve range of motion and strength without stressing the healing bone. The use of crutches or a walker is common during this period to assist with mobility while minimizing the risk of re-injury.

Regarding your specific questions about using a single crutch and transitioning to full weight-bearing, it is essential to follow your doctor's recommendations closely. If your next appointment is on August 10 and your doctor assesses that your healing is progressing well, you may be able to start using a single crutch for support. This would typically indicate that you can begin to put more weight on your injured leg, but it is crucial to do this gradually and under supervision.

Once you are able to use a single crutch, the timeline for transitioning to full weight-bearing can vary. Many patients can progress to walking without assistance within a few weeks after starting to use a single crutch, but this depends on your comfort level, pain management, and overall healing. It is also important to engage in physical therapy during this time to strengthen the muscles around the fracture site and improve your balance and coordination.

As for your concerns about returning to work and navigating public transportation, it is understandable to be anxious about mobility. If you are able to transition to using a single crutch by your next appointment, you may find that you can manage short distances more comfortably. However, it is advisable to practice walking with your crutch in a safe environment before attempting to navigate public spaces.

In summary, while it is possible that you may be able to use a single crutch by your next appointment, the timeline for full weight-bearing will depend on your healing progress and your doctor's assessment. Continue to communicate openly with your healthcare provider about your concerns and follow their guidance closely. Engaging in physical therapy and gradually increasing your activity level will be key to a successful recovery. Remember to listen to your body and avoid pushing yourself too hard, as this can lead to setbacks in your healing process.

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