Physical Education

Fracture of the Thigh
There is one long bone in the upper leg between the kneecap and the pelvis, the femur. When the femur is fractured, any attempt to move the leg results in a spasm of the muscles that causes severe pain. The leg is not stable, and there is complete loss of control below the fracture. The leg usually assumes an unnatural position, with the toes pointing outward. The injured leg is shorter than the uninjured one due to the pulling of the thigh muscles. Serious bleeding is a real danger since the broken bone may cut the large (femoral) artery. Shock usually is severe.

Figure 6-5 - Boards Used as Emergency Splint for Fractured Thigh

In addition to the general procedures above, gently straighten the leg, apply two padded splints, one on the outside and inside of the injured leg. The outside splint should reach from the armpit to the foot, the inside splint from the groin to the foot. The splint should be secured in five places: (1) around the ankle, (2) over the knee, (3) just below the hip, (4) around the pelvis, and (5) just below the armpit (Fig. 6-5). The legs can then be tied together to support the injured leg. Do not move the casualty until the leg has been splinted.