Femur fracture healing process

My husband had a bike accident and fractured his femur (complicated surgery, seven breaks, inserted a plate and 13 screws.) He is in an immobilizer and uses a walker, but is not allowed to put any weight on the affected leg. The surgeon will xray again 6 weeks after the accident. I am wondering about the bone rebuilding process....how fast (slow) can we expect and what factors lead to faster healing. We are pushing protein but he is 82 (very active up until now.)