A 35-year-old man presents to the orthopedic clinic 6 weeks after sustaining a closed fracture of the mid-shaft femur, treated conservatively with skeletal traction. Clinical examination shows minimal tenderness at the fracture site and the patient reports pain-free weight-bearing. X-rays show early callus formation bridging the fracture ends with some bridging callus visible on two cortices. What is the most appropriate next step in management?