What is the most appropriate treatment for an elderly female who fell and has deformity and swelling to the femur, proximal to the knee?

The most appropriate treatment for an elderly female who has fallen and is presenting with deformity and swelling to the femur, especially proximal to the knee, is to secure her to a backboard and pad appropriately. This approach is beneficial for several reasons.

First, securing the patient to a backboard helps stabilize her condition by preventing further movement and potential exacerbation of any injuries sustained, particularly in the context of a suspected femur fracture or dislocation. Immobilization reduces the risk of injury to surrounding soft tissues and nerves.

Additionally, padding the patient appropriately can provide comfort and further support to the injured area, helping to manage pain and reduce the risk of additional complications. Given that the patient is elderly, they may have brittle bones and an increased likelihood of serious injuries, thus making stabilization a priority in pre-hospital care.

Other methods such as traction splinting are not indicated in this scenario due to the location and nature of the injury. Traction splints are used primarily for mid-shaft femoral fractures, and given that this injury presents in the proximal area near the knee, a different approach is warranted. The application of a padded board splint could also be beneficial but would typically follow initial stabilization on a backboard. Overall