The blood supply of the femoral shaft; an anatomical study.

It is axiomatic that the surgeon must possess a detailed knowledge of the anatomy of the part on which he is to operate. In spite of the recent popularity of open reduction in the treatment of the fractured femoral shaft, little information is available on the details of its blood supply. Since the success of these operations depends, to a large extent, on a minimal interference with the blood supply of the bone the anatomy of the nutrient vessels is of considerable consequence. It was therefore decided to investigate the details of the blood supply of the femoral shaft. HISTORICAL REVIEW