Chap, xx.] THE THIGH. 423 



following conclusions : (1) The greater number of 

 normal lower limbs are of unequal length ; (2) the 

 left limb is oftener longer than the right; (3) the 

 average inequality of normal lower limbs is probably 



Fig. 44. Transverse Section through the Middle of the Thigh 

 (Braune). 



a, Rectus femoris ; &, vastus externus ; c, crureus; d, vastus interims: e, short 

 head of biceps ; /, long head 9f biceps ; g, semitendinosus ; h, semimembra- 

 nosus ; i, adductor magnus ; j, gracilis ; k, adductor longus ; I, sartorius ; 1, 

 femoral artery ; 2, great sciatic nerve ; 3, great saphenous vein ; 4, middle 

 cutaneous nerve ; 5, external cutaneous nerve ; 6, perforating branches from 

 profunda; 7, small sciatic nerve. 



about a quarter of an inch ; (4) the average amount of 

 shortening after a fracture of the femur that has been 

 well treated is about three-quarters of an inch ; (5) in 

 about one case in ten or eleven the two limbs will be 

 found to be of equal length after the union of the 

 fracture; (6) one limb can never be a certain standard 

 of length for the opposite limb. Dr. Garson, as a 

 result of the careful examination of some seventy 

 skeletons, states that both the lower limbs are of 

 equal length in only about ten per cent, of all cases. 



