Page 236 - Clinical Anatomy

ECA4 7/18/06 6:47 PM Page 221

The bones and joints of the lower limb 221

Fig. 163◊The deformities of femoral shaft fractures. (a) Fracture of the proximal
shaft—the proximal fragment is flexed by iliacus and psoas and abducted by gluteus
medius and minimus. (b) Fracture of the mid-shaft—flexion of the proximal
fragment by iliacus and psoas. (c) Fracture of the distal shaft—the distal fragment is
angulated backwards by gastrocnemius—the popliteal artery may be torn in this
injury. (In all these fractures overriding of the bone ends is produced by muscle
spasm.)