Femoral Shaft Fracture Rehabilitation

Overview:

Femoral shaft fractures often require intramedullary nailing or plating. Rehab emphasizes controlled weight-bearing, thigh muscle strengthening, and gradual return to daily activities.

Phase I:

Immediate Post-Op (Weeks 0-2) Goals: Protect surgical site, reduce swelling, and begin gentle mobility. Recommended Exercises: Ankle pumps to improve circulation, gentle leg raises (as tolerated).

Phase II:

Early Rehabilitation (Weeks 2-8) Goals: Progress weight-bearing with crutches or a walker, increase knee flexion and extension range. Recommended Exercises: Seated knee extension, gentle stationary cycling without resistance (if allowed).

Phase III:

Advanced Rehabilitation (Weeks 8-16+) Goals: Strengthen quadriceps and hamstrings, improve balance, transition to normal gait. Recommended Exercises: Standing leg curls, partial squats, step-ups, low-impact aerobic activity (e.g., elliptical).