How to do rehabilitation exercises after femoral fracture surgery

The key to postoperative rehabilitation for femoral shaft fractures is to proceed step by step, combining scientific exercise and nursing methods to promote bone healing and functional recovery. The rehabilitation process includes early activities, mid-term strength training, and late functional recovery, and must be conducted under the guidance of a doctor.

1. Early rehabilitation 1-4 weeks after surgery: Mainly reduce swelling and pain, and avoid excessive activity. Patients can perform passive activities under the guidance of doctors, such as ankle pump exercise ankle flexion and extension, straight leg raise lying leg raise to 30 degrees, and knee flexion and extension to gently bend the knee joint. These exercises help promote blood circulation, prevent muscle atrophy and joint stiffness. At the same time, care should be taken to keep the wound clean to avoid infection.

2. Mid-term rehabilitation 4-8 weeks after surgery: gradually increase the amount of activity and start light strength training. Patients can try standing balance training, standing on one leg, gait training using a walker or crutches, and resistance band training using elastic bands to stretch the legs. These exercises help to increase muscle strength and improve joint mobility. Avoid excessive weight bearing during this stage to prevent further damage to the fracture site.

3. Late rehabilitation More than 8 weeks after surgery: Focus on functional recovery and comprehensive exercise. Patients can do exercises such as squats, lunges, and cycling to gradually restore leg strength and flexibility. At this stage, the weight can be increased appropriately, but still need to be careful to avoid strenuous exercise. At the same time, physical therapy, such as ultrasound therapy and electrical stimulation, can be combined to further promote bone healing and muscle recovery.

During the recovery process, dietary conditioning is also crucial. Patients should consume more foods rich in calcium and protein, such as milk, eggs, fish and soy products, which are helpful for bone repair. Appropriate supplementation of vitamin D and vitamin K can promote calcium absorption and utilization.

Postoperative rehabilitation exercises for femoral shaft fractures require scientific and systematic training methods combined with a reasonable diet and care to effectively promote recovery. Patients should undergo regular checkups and adjust their rehabilitation plans in a timely manner to ensure complete healing of the fracture site and restore normal leg function.