Disorders of the thigh Flashcards
Femoral Shaft Fracture risk factors and causes
A femoral shaft fracture can occur at any age, however in children/young adults, a high velocity trauma is required to damage the femur as it is a very strong bone in this age group.
presentation of femoral shaft fracture
Usually the proximal fragment of the femur is abducted and flexed (due to attachments of gluteus medius, gluteus minimus and iliopsoas), and the distal fragment is adducted into a varus deformity and extended (due to attachments of adductors and gastrocnemius).
This condition often presents with a massively swollen thigh due to large amounts of bleeding from the femoral artery. The femoral nerve is also at risk of damage in a femoral shaft fracture. Treatment is usually a long leg cast if it is a non-displaced fracture or surgery to repair the bones with pins or plates if it is a displaced fracture.
which nerve is at risk with a femoral shaft fracture
The femoral nerve is also at risk of damage in a femoral shaft fracture.
treatment of femoral shaft fracture
Treatment is usually a long leg cast if it is a non-displaced fracture or surgery to repair the bones with pins or plates if it is a displaced fracture
Distal Femoral Fracture risk factors and causes
are usually caused by sporting injuries in younger people (with significant displacement) or falls in elderly people (usually with less displacement).
presentation of a distal femoral fracture
This condition presents with pain and swelling localising to the distal thigh.
which nerve is at risk with a distal femoral fracture
There is potential for injury to the popliteal artery if there is significant displacement, so an angiography may be required is there are diminished distal pulses after realignment.
treatment of a distal femoral shaft fracture
Treatment is surgery to reattach the bone fragments.
Meralgia Paresthetica
Meralgia paresthetica is a condition that involves the compression of the lateral cutaneous nerve as it pierces the inguinal ligament or fascia lata.
risk factors of meralgia paresthetica
Risk factors include obesity, pregnancy and diabetes.
presentation of meralgia parasthentica
It presents with a burning/stinging sensation over the lateral thigh which is aggravated by standing/walking.
conservative treatment of meralgia paresthetica
Conservative treatment such as losing weight and painkillers usually relieves the nerve compression but if symptoms persist, corticosteroid injections or anti-depressants/anti-epileptics may be used to reduce inflammation or pain symptoms respectively.
