Respiratory Failure Associated with Femur Fractures

Femur Fractures and Respiratory Failure

Bone fractures range from relatively small to displaced, open fractures. It is the latter group that might require surgical repair. According to recent statistics:

• About 250,000 femur fractures occur every year in the United States.
• This is about 10 fractures for every 100,000 people in the country.
• The incidence of femur fractures is highest in young children and then again in the elderly.

One of the ways that people might suffer a femur fracture is in a traumatic accident.

Indications for Surgical Repair of a Femur Fracture

In a research study published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, medical professionals studied the rate of respiratory failure that developed in individuals who required surgery for their femur fracture. In total, the researchers analyzed over 450 patients. Some of the reasons why these individuals required surgery included:

• The fracture was open.
• The bones were displaced from their anatomic position.
• There was concern that the bones would not heal properly.

Most of the individuals who sustain a displaced or open femur fracture have been involved in a traumatic event, such as an auto accident. When the surgery is done, individuals often have to stay in a hospital for several days recovering. During this period, respiratory failure might ensue.

Development of Respiratory Failure

Because the femur is such a large bone, a fracture can lead to major complications. If the marrow inside the bone is exposed, its contents can leak into the bloodstream. These contents can create blood clots throughout the body. If these clots lodge in the respiratory system, respiratory failure can ensue. Some of the signs and symptoms of respiratory failure include:

• Rapid breathing
• A rising heart rate
• Falling oxygen saturation, called hypoxia
• Turning blue
• Altered mental status

In the research study, about ten percent of the patients developed respiratory failure. When someone develops respiratory failure, he or she may require intubation, transport to an intensive care unit, and could require an additional surgical procedure. Respiratory failure is life-threatening.

Watch YouTube Video: Respiratory Failure. This video defines the meaning of respiratory failure and explains the differences between type 1 and type 2 respiratory failure.

Contacting a Femur Fracture Injury Lawyer

Surgery is a stressful time for individuals and their loved ones. If someone develops complications after a medical procedure, this only adds more anxiety to the situation. If this happens, it is a good idea to ask for help. Meeting with a femur fracture lawyer in Sacramento can help a family make tough decisions. Some of the ways that an injury lawyer can provide assistance include:

• Helping families make objective choices during a difficult time.
• Reviewing the accident records to make sure that no details have been overlooked.
• Assisting families in pursuing damages related to their injuries and their complications.

Nobody should feel like they need to face such a tough situation alone. Meeting with a Sacramento femur fracture attorney can smooth the recovery process. You and your loved ones may be entitled to a financial settlement.

Sacramento Femur Fracture Lawyers

I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento Femur Fracture Lawyer. Even though the lungs and the legs might not seem connected, femur fractures can lead to respiratory failure. Those who have suffered severe consequences following a broken leg should call me today for free, friendly legal advice at (916) 921-6400 or toll-free at (800) 404-5400.