Femur Injuries in Automobile Crashes
The femur is the largest and strongest bone in the body, and also one of the more difficult to break. However, in frontal automobile collisions, the impact loading on the femur can be sufficient to induce a fracture. The most common surgical procedure is to insert proximally, an intramedullary rod (IMR) through the femoral shaft, that is secured by interlocking screws inserted both distal and proximal to the break. Though healing times vary, nearly all patients recover well from this surgery and are able to return to normal activity with little or no residual pain or discomfort. Those who do suffer from consequent side effects can elect to have the IMR removed. This surgery is commonly practiced, and is deemed safe and is often the best choice for patients. However, because of the extensive surgery required for IMR removal, many surgeons recommend the patient leave the IMR in for life. Research is being conducted currently to examine the advantages and disadvantages of removing the IMR.
Virginia Tech / Wake Forest University Center for Injury Biomechanics