Richard Haynes PTA/CPT - 9/19/2008

Question
MY 7 YR OLD WAS HIT BY A CAR A YEAR AGO 0N 9 22 08. HE BROKEN HIS FEMUR AND HAD TO HAVE SURGERY TO HAVE AN EXTERNAL FIXATOR AND 5 PINS. EVRYTHING WENT WELL AND HE IS ALL BOY AGAIN, HOWEVER HE HAS BEEN FALLING ALOT LATELY FOR NO APPARENT REASON LIKE UNTIED SHOES OR ANYTHING. I AM WONDERING IF MAYBE WE SHOULD HAVE HIM LOOKED AT AGAIN OR IF IT TAKES SOME TIME FOR THE FEMUR TO COMPLETLEY HEEL.

Answer
Thanks for the question.   It can take quite a while for a femur fracture to heal. There is always some muscle wasting in the quadriceps or thigh muscles causing them to weaken.

I suspect he received Physical Therapy for the leg. If he did they would have been working on re-strengthening the leg and balance training again.

Due to your sons age though the femur should ultimately heal fine.
I suspect the falling could be from a slight imbalance in strength between the two legs. If there were other more serious problems to consider I am sure your orthopedic doctor or the therapist would have brought it to your attention.

unless your son is complaining of pain or a chronic ache in the thigh I am sure the fracture and pin areas are fine.
Does he go back for any follow-up with the doctor? If he does just bring the falling to his/her attention.

If the falls continue see if the operating doctor can get an appointment with  a physical therapist for a fall evaluation.

Richard Haynes
Punta Gorda, Florida. USA
www.totaljointfitness.com