Submuscular Locked Plating of Pediatric Femur Fractures

Recent advances in plating technology for the pediatric femur fracture have demonstrated early mobilization of the extremity and early weight bearing. Submuscular techniques allow for minimal soft tissue disruption and provide a theoretical healing advantage. This article presents results of the treatment of pediatric femur fractures using a locked submuscular bridge plating technique. The authors reviewed 16 patients between 6 and 12 years of age who sustained a femoral shaft fracture treated with minimally invasive submuscular locked plating. Patients were followed for an average of 25 months and made full weight bearing within 6 weeks of surgery. All patients achieved radiographic and clinical union with an average time of 2.6 months. Range of motion of the knee and hip were equivalent to the contralateral extremity at 2.1 months. Average time of hardware removal was 11 months. Benefits of locked plating of pediatric femur fractures include high union rates, early weight bearing, early recovery of range of motion, and minimal complications. (Journal of Surgical Orthopaedic Advances 21(3):136–140, 2012)