Causes of Proximal Femoral Fractures and How to Recover as Quickly as Possible After Surgery

There are many causes of proximal femur fractures, and any situation can lead to this type of injury. Broadly speaking, there are two main causes.

First Cause: Traumatic Injury

Most patients with proximal femur fractures sustain them as a result of traumatic injury. Traffic accidents, falls from heights, or even a heavy blow can all lead to a proximal femur fracture.

Second Cause: Osteoporosis

For some older adults, due to declining physical function and osteoporosis, even a slight external force can result in a fracture. For example, a minor collision that might cause only a bruise in a young person could lead to a proximal femur fracture in an older adult.

02 Clinical Manifestations of Proximal Femoral Fractures

The primary symptom of a proximal femur fracture is pain—not just tenderness upon pressure, but excruciating pain even without touching the area—and the inability to move freely. In addition, most patients with this type of fracture experience swelling and bruising; if there is an open wound, fresh blood may also be visible. Furthermore, in some severe cases, the limb may even become deformed, such as twisting into an abnormal position or appearing shorter than normal.

03 How to Recover as Quickly as Possible After Surgery

Exercise 1: Ball-Squeeze Isometric Contraction

Key Points: For this exercise, lie on your back with your upper body resting on the bed and keep it still. Let your arms hang naturally at your sides and remain relaxed—do not clench them. Bend your knees so that your feet form an angle of approximately 60 degrees with the bed. Before beginning the exercise, prepare a small ball—preferably an inflatable rubber ball with a diameter of about 10 centimeters. If you don’t have a ball, you can use a pillow or similar item, though it won’t be as effective as a ball, which provides elasticity and allows you to feel resistance and rebound during the exercise. Place the ball between your bent knees, maintain tension, and breathe evenly. Repeat this exercise for 2 sets, holding each set for 15 seconds.

Exercise 2: Active Hip External Rotation

Key Points: Perform this exercise while seated. Keep your upper body upright, with both arms hanging naturally at your sides. Bend both knees so that your thighs are parallel to the floor and your calves form a 90° angle with the floor. Keep the unaffected leg stationary, with the sole of the affected foot flat on the floor. Use your thigh to move the lower leg back and forth—inward and outward—while maintaining even breathing. Do not over-extend your range of motion; use your own sensations as a guide. Mild discomfort is acceptable, but if you feel severe pain, stop immediately and do not push yourself. Repeat this exercise, performing 2 sets of 12 repetitions each.

Exercise 3: Prone Internal Rotation Squeeze

Key Points: Lie on your stomach with your upper body straight. You may place your hands behind your head or at your sides, palms facing up, in a relaxed position. Keep the healthy leg flat on the bed and still, and keep the thigh of the affected leg stationary. Lift the lower leg upward until it forms a 90° angle with the floor, then gently sway it from side to side. The range of motion does not need to be large—adjust it according to your comfort level—while maintaining even breathing. Repeat this exercise, performing 2 sets of 8 repetitions each.

All three of these exercises can be used for postoperative recovery. They help improve motor control of the pelvis and lower limbs while enhancing core stability. However, remember to perform these exercises 40 minutes after a meal, 2 to 3 times a day.