features

Last reviewed 01/2018

The patient is often a young adult with a history of a motorcycle accident. On examination the leg is externally rotated. It may also be shortened and deformed. The thigh is bruised and swollen.

The patient may be shocked. There is the danger of fat embolism.

On x-ray the fracture is generally in the middle of the shaft. An x-ray of the pelvis should also be taken in case of an associated hip injury.