Fracture of the Femur in Cats

Fractures of the femur (thigh bone) are some of the most common fractures seen in veterinary medicine. These fractures are usually the result of major trauma, but they can be caused by disease of the bone itself.

Generally, femoral fractures cause acute, non-weight bearing lameness of the affected hind leg. These fractures can occur in an immature bone (one that has not finished growing) or in a mature one; they can be "open" (skin wound with bone exposed) or "closed" fractures, and can be "simple" or "comminuted" (multiple bone fragments).

Depending on the nature of the fracture and the age of the animal, different methods of repair may be indicated for each situation. Femoral fractures can have serious complications if not repaired or if the repair fails.