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Femur

The thigh bone, or femur, is the longest and strongest bone in the body and forms a central part of the skeleton from the hip to the knee.

Contents

Quick version

What is the femur?

The femur is the large bone that extends between the hip joint and the knee joint. The femur plays a crucial role in the body's movement and stability, bearing a large part of the body's weight and serving as an attachment point for several powerful muscles. Its design makes it possible to walk, run and jump.

Anatomy and structure

The femur consists of a round head that fits into the hip joint's glenoid, which is a long cylindrical body (diaphysis), and a lower part that forms the knee joint together with the tibia. The bone is surrounded by muscles and has a rich blood supply.

Function and biomechanics

The femur functions as a force-transmitting bone in walking, running and jumping. It rotates and bends at both the hip and knee, making it important for the body's movement patterns, balance and load distribution.

The femur in hip and knee function

In the hip joint, the femoral head functions as a ball and socket joint, allowing for great mobility in several directions. In the knee joint, the condyles of the femur form a hinge movement together with the tibia and patella.

Common conditions and diseases

Pain in the femur can be due to fracture, stress fracture, muscle rupture, osteoarthritis of the hip or knee, or bone marrow diseases. Hip fractures are common in older people with osteoporosis.

Examination and diagnosis

Diagnosis is made using a physical examination, gait analysis and imaging tests such as X-rays, MRI of the femur or computed tomography. It is important to evaluate whether the pain is coming from the bone, muscles, or joint.

Relevant symptoms

  • Deep pain in the thigh or hip
  • Difficulty supporting the leg
  • A limp or difficulty walking
  • Sudden pain after a fall or trauma
  • Pain with weight bearing or at rest

Related conditions and diagnoses

  • Fracture of the femur
  • Hip osteoarthritis
  • Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI)
  • Stress fracture of the femur
  • Fractures related to osteoporosis

Questions and answers

The thigh bone, or femur, is the bone that runs between the hip and knee. The thigh bone is the largest and strongest bone in the human body.

Pain in the femur can be caused by overuse or trauma and osteoarthritis of the hip or knee, or stress fractures. In the elderly, osteoporosis can lead to fracture.

Intense pain, difficulty standing or walking, and sometimes visible misalignment or swelling are symptoms of a femur fracture.

Fractures are often treated surgically with pins or plates. Rehabilitation is important to regain strength and mobility.

The femoral head sits in the socket of the hip joint and allows movement in several directions. It also bears the weight of the body when walking.

Yes, especially the hip joint's contact with the femur can be affected by osteoarthritis, causing both stiffness and pain when moving.

The healing time varies, depending on the type of fracture and treatment, but it usually takes several months of rehabilitation.

In young people, fractures are uncommon but can occur in the event of severe sports injuries or accidents, often in connection with high energy.

It's the same structure – 'femur' is the Latin term and is commonly used in medical contexts, while 'lårben' is the Swedish name.

You should seek medical attention for help with assessment if the pain is persistent, sudden, or affects your gait, or if it occurs after a fall.