Functional Recovery After Surgical Fixation of Femoral Shaft Fractures in Adult Patients: A Study in a Tertiary Care Setting

Background: Femoral shaft fractures are serious long bone injuries commonly caused by high-energy trauma such as road traffic accidents and falls. They predominantly affect young adults and result in significant morbidity and functional limitation. Surgical fixation, particularly intramedullary interlocking nailing, is considered the gold standard treatment due to improved union rates and early mobilization. Evaluating postoperative functional recovery is essential to determine treatment effectiveness and overall patient outcomes. Objectives: To evaluate functional recovery, demographic profile, injury pattern, and surgical outcomes of adult femoral shaft fracture patients. Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted at Satkhira Medical College Hospital from May 2022 to April 2023, including 92 adult patients undergoing surgical fixation for femoral shaft fractures. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and clinical assessments. Radiological findings, surgical procedures, complications, and functional outcomes were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 21, and ethical approval with informed consent was obtained prior to the study. Result: Among 92 patients, most were aged 31–40 years (30.4%) with mean age 38.6 ± 11.4 years; 73.9% were male. Road traffic accidents caused 65.2% injuries. Right-sided fractures occurred in 54.3%. Transverse fractures were commonest (32.6%). Intramedullary nailing was performed in 76.1%. Union occurred within 16–20 weeks in 43.5%. Complications were absent in 69.6%. Excellent and good functional outcomes were observed in 78.3% patients. Conclusion: Surgical fixation of adult femoral shaft fractures, especially intramedullary nailing, provides good radiological healing, low complications, and excellent functional recovery.