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Femoral shaft fracture — DIPIMC MCQ

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HardPre-Hospital TraumaFemoral shaft fractureDIPIMCDipIMC

A haemodynamically stable motorcyclist has an isolated closed mid-shaft femoral fracture, intact distal pulses and no pelvic, knee or lower-leg injury. Which immobilisation is appropriate?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: D — Apply a traction splint after analgesia and neurovascular assessment

The best answer is “Apply a traction splint after analgesia and neurovascular assessment”. A traction splint can reduce pain, deformity and bleeding in an isolated femoral-shaft fracture when there is no associated pelvic, knee or distal limb injury. Provide analgesia, document neurovascular status before and after, and follow device governance. A pelvic binder treats suspected pelvic haemorrhage, tourniquets treat uncontrolled external bleeding, and a short splint does not immobilise this fracture adequately.

Reference: NICE NG37, Fractures (complex): https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng37/chapter/recommendations