The thighbone is the long bone in the upper part of the leg, between the kneecap and the pelvis. When the thighbone is fractured, any attempt to move the limb results in a spasm of the muscles and causes excruciating pain. The leg has a wobbly motion, and there is complete loss of control below the fracture. The limb usually assumes an unnatural position, with the toes pointing outward. The fractured leg is shorter than the uninjured one, by actual measurement, because of the pull of the powerful thigh muscles. Serious damage to the blood vessels and nerves often results from a fracture of the thighbone. Shock is likely to be severe.

TREATMENT. When the fracture is open, stop the bleeding and treat the wound before attempting to treat the fracture itself. Serious bleeding is a special danger in this type of injury, since the broken bone may tear or cut the large artery in the thigh.

Carefully straighten the leg. Apply two splints: one on the outside of the injured leg and one on the inside.

Figure 10-51.-Boards used as emergency splints for fractured thigh.

The outside splint should reach from the armpit to the foot. Make sure the inside splint reaches from the crotch to the fret. The splints should be fastened in five places: (1) around the ankle, (2) over the knee, (3) just below the hip, (4) around the pelvis, and (5) just below the armpit. Both legs should be tied together to support the injured leg as firmly as possible.

It is essential that a fractured thigh be splinted before the victim is moved. Ready-made splints are best, but improvised splints may be used. Figure 10-51 shows how boards may be used as an emergency splint for a fractured thigh. Remember, DO NOT MOVE THE VICTIM UNTIL THE INJURED LEG HAS BEEN IMMOBILIZED.

Treat the victim for shock and obtain medical care as soon as possible.