How to Recover Through Exercise After a Femoral Shaft Fracture Surgery

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A fracture of the femoral shaft causes excruciating pain, accompanied by swelling and sometimes bleeding. Additionally, patients with this injury experience significant difficulty moving and are unable to walk normally. So, if a fracture does occur, how should it be treated?

01 Treatment for Tibial Shaft Fractures

1. General Treatment

① For Children

Children are prone to fractures of the femoral shaft due to their active nature and limited awareness of danger. As they are in a growth phase with strong bone healing capacity, conservative treatment is typically employed unless the injury is severe. Conservative treatment encompasses four primary methods: splinting, skin suspension traction, horizontal skin traction, and skeletal traction.

② For Adults

In adults, slower bone growth rates increase the likelihood of complications. Conservative treatment—specifically skeletal traction—may be chosen for less severe fractures or when surgical conditions are unsuitable. This method is relatively safe, with traction typically lasting 8 to 12 weeks. X-rays are then taken to assess whether traction should be discontinued.

2. Acute Treatment

In cases of severe fractures, such as those accompanied by significant bleeding or signs of shock, immediate transport to the emergency department is required. Acute interventions, including hemostasis and blood transfusion, are performed to stabilize the patient and prevent shock.

3. Surgical Treatment

For severe fractures—such as those with significant displacement or comminuted fractures—surgical intervention is required. This involves incising the affected area and performing internal fixation through surgery, including plate fixation or intramedullary nailing. However, surgical treatment is not suitable for all fracture patients. It is most appropriate for four specific categories:

The first category involves patients with soft tissue trapped between bone fragments that cannot be removed through conservative treatment. The second category includes patients with severe open fractures. The third category comprises patients with nerve and vascular injuries. The fourth category covers patients with multiple fractures, not limited to femoral shaft fractures.

4. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Treatment

TCM treatment primarily focuses on reducing swelling and regulating qi and blood flow. It is a relatively gentle approach suitable for patients with less severe fractures.

02 How to Recover Through Exercise After Surgery

Exercise 1: Single-Leg Shallow Squat

Key Points: Perform this exercise standing upright with forearms raised and fists clenched at chest level. Stand on the affected leg while extending the calf of the unaffected leg backward, toes lightly touching the ground. Attempt a small, tentative squat. Throughout the movement, ensure the knee aligns with the toes. Repeat this exercise 12 times.

Exercise 2: Standing Hip Abduction

Key Points: Stand facing a wall with hands resting on it at arm’s length. Keep the unaffected leg stationary while extending the affected leg outward. Perform 2 sets of 8 repetitions each.

Exercise 3: Standing with Eyes Closed on Both Feet

Key Points: Stand with hands relaxed at your sides and feet shoulder-width apart. Close your eyes, breathe evenly, and maintain stability. Repeat this exercise, holding for 20 seconds.

Exercise 4: Standing on a Bosu Ball

Key Points: Stand on a Bosu ball with arms relaxed at your sides. Breathe evenly and maintain stability. If a Bosu ball is unavailable, stand on a thick pillow. Repeat this exercise for 10 seconds.

These four exercises enhance stability and build strength. Remember to practice them 40 minutes after meals, 2 to 3 times daily.