Version July 2025
Please read the Disclaimer at the end of this page.
What are discharge instructions? —
Discharge instructions are information about how to take care of yourself after getting medical care in the emergency department ("ED").
What should I know? —
You came to the ED for a broken thigh bone, called a "femur fracture." There are different kinds of fractures, depending on how the bone breaks. It might crack, break all the way through, or shatter.
You probably have pain, swelling, or bruising over the area. Your leg might look abnormal, bent, or not its usual shape. If a fracture injures a nerve, this can also cause symptoms in nearby areas, like tingling or weakness.
The doctor might have done a "reduction" to put your bone back into place. They might have then put a cast, splint, or brace on your leg. Many femur fractures in older children, teens, and adults need treatment with surgery.
How long it will take to heal depends on the type of fracture. Most take weeks to months to heal.
How do I care for myself at home? —
Ask the doctor or nurse what you should do when you go home. Make sure you understand exactly what you need to do to care for yourself. Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.
You should also do the following:
●Call your regular doctor and tell them you were in the ED. Make a follow-up appointment as instructed. You need to see a specialist called an "orthopedic surgeon."
●Wear the cast, splint, or brace as instructed. This supports and protects the bone as it heals. Some fractures are put in a cast right away. Others are not put in a cast until after the swelling goes down.
●If you have a cast, do not get it wet, unless the doctor said it is waterproof.
●When the doctor says you can walk, you will need to use crutches or a walker to help you move around. You will not be able to put weight on your leg at first.
●Take all your medicines as instructed:
•Take non-prescription medicines to relieve pain and swelling, such as ibuprofen (sample brand names: Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (sample brand name: Aleve). If you cannot take these medicines, you can take acetaminophen (sample brand name: Tylenol) for pain.
•If you got a prescription for stronger pain medicines to take for a short time, follow the instructions carefully. You might also have gotten a prescription for medicine to help prevent blood clots.
●Prop your leg on pillows if possible, keeping it above the level of your heart. This might help lessen pain and swelling.
●Ice can help with pain and swelling. Put a cold gel pack, bag of ice, or bag of frozen vegetables wrapped in a towel over your leg. Never put ice right on the skin. Do not leave the ice on more than 10 to 15 minutes at a time. Use for the first 24 to 48 hours after an injury.
●Quit smoking, if you smoke. Your doctor or nurse can help. Broken bones take longer to heal if you smoke.
●Follow all the doctor's instructions about what activities are safe to do. You might have to limit activity or movement until your bone is healed. Increase your activity slowly. You will probably also work with a physical therapist (exercise expert).
When should I get emergency help?
●Call for emergency help right away (in the US and Canada, call 9-1-1) if you:
•Feel short of breath, or have trouble breathing
•Have sharp or severe chest pain
•Have severe belly pain
•Feel very lightheaded or like you are going to pass out
●Return to the ED if:
•The cast or splint feels too tight and uncomfortable, or your toes turn pale, blue, or gray.
•Your pain suddenly gets much worse.
•A bad smell or drainage is coming from the cast or splint.
When should I call the doctor? —
Call for advice if:
●You have a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or chills.
●Your toes are numb or tingly.
●Your skin gets red and irritated around the cast or splint, or redness spreads up your leg.
●The cast is too loose, or gets cracked or soft.
●The cast gets wet, and it is not supposed to get wet.
●You have new or worsening symptoms.
Patient education: Femur fracture (The Basics)
Patient education: Setting a broken bone in adults (The Basics)
Patient education: Setting a broken bone in children (The Basics)
Patient education: Surgery to fix a broken bone (The Basics)
Patient education: How to care for your cast (The Basics)
Patient education: How to care for your child's cast (The Basics)
Patient education: How to care for a splint (The Basics)
Patient education: How to use crutches (The Basics)
Patient education: How to use a walker (The Basics)
