Abstract :
Introduction: Multiple operative and non operative treatment options have been advocated for the
management of diaphyseal long bone fractures. Surgical treatment with nailing and plating remains a
standard treatment modality. Minimally invasive submuscular plating is the one treatment option. In this
study we share our results of submuscular plating for diaphyseal long bone fractures in tertiary care hospital.
Materials and Methods: 30 patients of closed humerus shaft fracture, shaft of tibia and shaft of femur
excluding the proximal and distal portions of respective bone were operated by single team of surgeons
between June 2016 to June 2019 with closed reduction and submuscular plating with 4.5 mm narrow DCP
or 4.5 mm narrow LCDCP fixed with only 2 to 3 screws on either side was the modality of fixation. Out of
30 patients there were 17 males and 13 females with age range 10 to 50 years. Mechanism of injury was
RTA in 18 cases including 08 are polytrauma patients and 12 are of domestic fall. The fracture pattern was
classified as per AO-ASIF classification. All patients were operated within 5 days of injury. Patients were
assessed clinically, radiologically and functionally.
Results: All patients showed union at fracture site without any major complication except 2 patients had
superficial wound infection. Mean surgical time was 88 minutes. Average total incision length of 10 /- 2
cm. 12 to 15 hole plate used commonly. Average blood loss is 100 cc.
Conclusion: Once properly planned and executed correctly the submuscular plating for diaphyseal long
bone fractures is one of the reliable treatment modality. It is minimally invasive technique that allows early
mobilization with satisfactory radiological and functional outcome with minimal complications.
Keyword :
Fracture, Shaft, Plate, Plating, Submuscular.