Submuscular Bridge Plating in length-Unstable Pediatric Femur Fractures

Abstract

To evaluate the recommendations for submuscular bridge plating and the outcomes of this procedure in pediatric patients with unstable femur fractures. This a study of 15 patients with unstable femur fractures treated over a period of 1 years. We analyzed the patients’ age, mechanism of trauma, fracture type and location, follow-up duration, and associated injuries. 10 patients were boys and 5 girls . 7 fractures affected the right femur and 8 affected the left femur . The mean age of the patients was 9.27 years. The mechanism of trauma included falling from height (n = 6) and motor car accidents (n = 9). Six fractures involved the proximal third of the femur, two involved junction between proximal and middle third whereas five involved the middle third and two involved the distal third. The fractures were long oblique in 4 cases, spiral in 6 cases, and comminuted in 5 cases. We had 9 excellent , 4 good and 3 acceptable results. As for potential complications, we observed no pseudarthrosis, malalignment, or leg-length discrepancy. Despite the small number of patients in this study, submuscular bridge plating emerged as a viable and safe therapeutic alternative for unstable femur fractures in children .