Femoral Shaft Fracture

Much force is required to produce fractures of the shaft of the femur. They tend to be displaced due to muscle action upon the fracture fragments. The superficial femoral artery may be injured with complex fractures of the distal femur.
A AP radiograph of the distal femur. This demonstrates a comminuted, overriding fracture of the distal femur. There is profound osteopenia.

B Lateral radiograph of the distal femur.

C Axial CT. The distal femur demonstrates the severely thinned cortex along with the fracture.

D Axial CT. This image shows the comminution of this distal femur fracture.

Links to online textbooks

Wheeless' Orthopedics: femoral shaft fracture menu

References:

Buckley SL: Current trends in the treatment of femoral shaft fractures in children and adolescents Clin Orthop. 1997 May;(338):60-73. [See related articles]
Stans AA, Morrissy RT, Renwick SE: Femoral shaft fracture treatment in patients age 6 to 16 years J Pediatr Orthop. 1999 Mar-Apr;19(2):222-8. [See related articles]

A	AP radiograph of the distal femur. This demonstrates a comminuted, overriding fracture of the distal femur. There is profound osteopenia.
B	Lateral radiograph of the distal femur.
C	Axial CT. The distal femur demonstrates the severely thinned cortex along with the fracture.
D	Axial CT. This image shows the comminution of this distal femur fracture.