Abstract
Sub-muscular plating is an established technique in the management of long-bone fractures and reconstruction. In the femur, the presence of the vascular structures medially favours the lateral approach and as such, the technique of medial femoral sub-muscular plating has not, to the authors knowledge, been previously described.
We report a series of 5 patients employing the medial approach to femoral sub-muscular plating. The indications and limitations of the technique are discussed with particular reference to reducing external fixation times, avoidance of stress risers and areas of previously traumatised or infected tissues. The surgical technique for medial femoral sub-muscular plating with emphasis on the role of vastus medialis in the protection of the vascular structures, together with cross sectional anatomy is described.
Medial femoral sub-muscular plating is a useful technique in specific indications and can be performed safely with an understanding of the relevant anatomy.
Correspondence should be addressed to BLRS c/o BOA, at the Royal College of Surgeons, 35–43 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London, WC2A 3PE, England.
