Submuscular bridge plating in the treatment of length unstable femur fracture in adolescents

Abstract

Background The most common fractures in teenagers that need hospitalization are femoral shaft fractures. Aim This study aims to evaluate the role of the submuscular bridging plate in the treatment of length unstable femur fracture as a safe and alternative option in cases where use of intramedullary nails and open reduction methods is debatable regarding healing and functional outcomes. Patients and methods Submuscular bridge plate for femur fracture was performed on 20 patients having length unstable femoral shaft fractures through a minimally invasive technique. Results There was a significant positive link between age and healing time, but no such relationship existed between healing time and patient sex, level, type of fracture, or injury mechanism. The patients’ average age was 11 years (10–19 years). Overall, 12 patients were males and eight were females. There was no infection except for three cases of superficial infection. There was no significant swelling except in four cases; all patients restored full range of motion except four patients had limited knee flexion for a short period. No patient had a deformity greater than 10° in the frontal or sagittal planes, or a limb-length disparity greater than 1 cm. There has been no clinically obvious malrotation, late union, or nonunion. Conclusion Submuscular plating is a dependable method with excellent healing capacity and fixing mechanics. Submuscular plating is a surgical technique with a learning curve. It offers clear benefits over other operative procedures and is linked to minimization of complications.