Post-Surgery Recovery for Femur Fractures and Muscle Strains

Post-surgery for a bone fracture?

Hello, Doctor Shi.
I would like to ask about my mother, who is in her 50s.
On May 31, she slipped on a wet surface while walking (her knee did not hit the ground) and sustained a hairline fracture near the knee joint of her right femur, as well as a strain in the calf muscle near the joint of her left leg (initially, the calf muscle felt like it was cramping, but later it only felt tight after walking for a long time or sitting down, with occasional cramps).
The fracture site has been stabilized with a titanium plate.
I would like to know if the recovery from the hairline fracture in her right leg after surgery will be faster than that of a typical fracture (approximately how long until she can stop using a walker), and how long it will take for the tightness in her left calf strain (which is gradually improving but still feels tight) to subside.
She is particularly concerned about whether she will be able to ride a bike or drive in the future.
Thank you.

andy, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/07/15

Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics

The healing time for large bone fractures in the human body typically ranges from three to six months.
If surgery is performed with internal fixation using bone screws and the reduction is satisfactory, the patient may gradually start to reduce the use of assistive devices around three months post-surgery.
However, this also depends on the healing progress of the bone, which requires ongoing monitoring through X-rays to ensure there are no complications before discontinuing the use of assistive devices.

Reply Date: 2021/07/15

More Info

Post-surgery recovery for femur fractures and muscle strains can vary significantly based on several factors, including the severity of the injury, the patient's age, overall health, and adherence to rehabilitation protocols. In your mother's case, she has sustained a femur fracture near the knee and a strain in the calf muscle, which requires careful management to ensure optimal recovery.

Femur Fracture Recovery
1. Surgical Intervention: Since your mother underwent surgery to stabilize the femur fracture with a titanium plate, this typically allows for a more stable healing environment compared to non-surgical management. The use of internal fixation devices like plates and screws generally facilitates quicker recovery because they provide immediate stability to the fracture site.

2. Recovery Timeline: Generally, for a femur fracture treated with surgery, patients can expect to begin weight-bearing activities within 6 to 12 weeks post-surgery, depending on the specific fracture type and healing progress. However, full recovery, including regaining strength and range of motion, may take several months. Many patients can start walking without assistive devices around 8 to 12 weeks post-surgery, but this can vary. Regular follow-ups with the orthopedic surgeon will help monitor healing through X-rays and clinical assessments.

3. Physical Therapy: Engaging in a structured rehabilitation program is crucial. Physical therapy often begins with gentle range-of-motion exercises and progresses to strengthening exercises as healing allows. The goal is to restore function and mobility while preventing stiffness and muscle atrophy.

Muscle Strain Recovery
1. Calf Muscle Strain: Muscle strains, especially in older adults, can take longer to heal due to decreased muscle elasticity and overall recovery capacity. The tightness and occasional cramping your mother experiences are common symptoms of muscle strain.
2. Recovery Timeline: For a mild to moderate calf strain, recovery can take anywhere from a few weeks to a couple of months. The tightness should gradually diminish with appropriate rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE), along with gentle stretching and strengthening exercises as tolerated.
3. Rehabilitation: Once the acute pain subsides, physical therapy can help restore flexibility and strength. It's important for your mother to engage in rehabilitation exercises that focus on the calf muscles and surrounding areas to prevent future injuries.

Concerns About Future Activities
Your mother’s concerns about her ability to ride a bike or drive in the future are valid, especially considering her age and the nature of her injuries. However, with proper rehabilitation, many individuals can return to their pre-injury activities.
1. Gradual Return to Activities: As she progresses through her recovery, she should gradually reintroduce activities like biking or driving, starting with short durations and low intensity.
2. Monitoring Symptoms: It’s essential for her to listen to her body. If she experiences significant pain or discomfort while attempting these activities, she should consult her healthcare provider.

3. Long-term Outlook: While some individuals may experience lingering tightness or discomfort after a muscle strain, most can achieve a full return to function with diligent rehabilitation.

Conclusion
In summary, your mother’s recovery from her femur fracture and calf strain will depend on her adherence to rehabilitation protocols, the severity of her injuries, and her overall health. Regular follow-ups with her orthopedic surgeon and physical therapist will be crucial in monitoring her progress and making necessary adjustments to her rehabilitation plan. With time, patience, and appropriate care, she can expect to regain her mobility and return to her daily activities, including biking and driving.

Similar Q&A

Simple Home Rehabilitation Exercises After Leg Fracture Surgery

Hello Doctor: I was involved in a car accident in mid-last month, which resulted in fractures of my right thigh and calf. I underwent surgery and now have metal plates and screws in my right leg. It has been almost two months since the surgery, and I would like to ask what simple...

Dr. Wang Huijun reply Rehabilitation
Hello Mr. Wang: There are many types of fractures in the thigh and calf, including simple and complex fractures. Which specific bone in the calf is fractured? Is it the tibia or fibula? Is the fracture located at the proximal or distal end of the bone? What surgical method was us...

Rehabilitation Tips for Climbing Stairs After Femur Fracture Surgery

Currently, it has been five months since my femur fracture surgery. I have had nails inserted and can walk normally, but I struggle with going up and down stairs without support, as my leg feels particularly strained and my balance is unstable. I would like to ask the doctor what...

Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics
1. Practicing thigh lifts can increase muscle strength to improve function. 2. The presence of metal screws may affect the range of motion in the wide joint. 3. Occasional tingling sensations are normal and may be related to muscle tightness.

Recovery Insights for Femur and Clavicle Fractures After Accident

Hello: I was in a car accident on October 7, resulting in fractures of my left femur and left clavicle, with no external injuries. The femur was fractured in the middle, with a small fragment. I underwent surgery that day to fix it with steel nails. A week later, it was discovere...

Dr. Chen Xingyuan reply Orthopedics
Dear Reader, The primary purpose of surgery is to reduce pain and promote functional recovery. Therefore, surgery is just the first step; you must also take good care of yourself and engage in active rehabilitation to minimize the losses caused by the injury. Below are the answe...

Understanding Swelling and Recovery After a Femur Fracture

1. Typically, swelling in the leg after a fracture can take several weeks to fully subside, but this can vary depending on individual healing processes and adherence to post-operative care. 2. The warmth in the thigh could be due to increased blood flow to the area as part of th...

Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics
1. Swelling lasts approximately two to four weeks. 2. Inflammation is still present. 3. It is common after surgery; heat therapy is effective. 4. Joint mobility decreases after surgery and should be gradually rehabilitated. 5. Femoral fractures typically require a year or...