A fracture of the femur is rare and is a major source of ___ in the pediatric population.

A fracture of the femur in the pediatric population is significant primarily due to the potential for blood loss. The femur is one of the largest bones in the body, and fractures in this area can result in substantial bleeding, especially considering the vascular supply to the femur and surrounding tissue. In children, the vascular structures can be more susceptible to injury during such a fracture, leading to considerable blood loss. This aspect is particularly critical in pediatric care, where a child's smaller blood volume makes them more vulnerable to the effects of significant hemorrhage.

While pain, infection, and immobilization are relevant considerations in the context of fractures, they do not pose the same immediate life-threatening risks that blood loss does. The management of a femur fracture therefore places an emphasis on monitoring for and controlling potential bleeding, making the risk of blood loss the most pertinent issue in this scenario.