Stress Fracture of the Femur

What is a stress fracture of the femur?

The femur bone is the long thigh bone. Prolonged overuse can cause a stress fracture. This is also known as a femoral stress fracture.

Symptoms of femur stress fracture

• A dull ache deep in the general area of the thigh.
• Pain when a bending force is applied to the femur (hang test) > Play video
• Pain may be referred into the knee.
• Pain may become worse when the patient allows the thigh to hang over the edge of a bench or chair, particularly if weight is then applied downwards onto the thigh.
• X-ray may or may not show up the stress fracture but a bone scan or MRI should give a more accurate diagnosis.

Treatment of femur stress fracture

• Rest, particularly from weight bearing activities.
• Maintain fitness by swimming or cycling.
• Identification of any biomechanical problems such as overpronation which may have contributed to the stress on the femur.

How long will it take to heal?

• Depending on severity it should take 7 weeks from the time that the 'hang test' (over the edge of the chair) is not painful before a gradual return to sports specific training can begin.