What is an intramedullary fixation device?

What is an intramedullary fixation device?

Intramedullary fixation devices (IMFDs), such as nails and rods, are used for the fixation of various bones and are typically used in the femur, tibia, humerus, radius and ulna. An IMFD subjected to cyclical loading can fail due to fatigue if stresses on the device exceed its endurance limit.

When do you use an intramedullary rod?

Intramedullary (IM) rods are used to align and stabilize fractures. IM rods are inserted into the bone marrow canal in the center of the long bones of the extremities. They may be used in the femur (thigh bone) or tibia (shin bone), for example. They are also called intramedullary nails.

What is internal and external fixation?

Fixation can be: Internal: Involves the use of devices internally (under the skin) positioned within the patient’s body. External: The devices are screwed into fractured bones to exit the skin and are attached to a stabilizing structure outside the body.

Is intramedullary nailing internal fixation?

Intramedullary nailing is an internal fixation technique mainly used for the surgical management of long bone diaphyseal fractures and since more recently, also in metaphyseal and periarticular fractures.

Can a intramedullary rod break?

With approximately 100 nails implanted annually, our breakage rate can be estimated at 2%.

When is external fixator used?

An external fixation device may be used to keep fractured bones stabilized and in alignment. The device can be adjusted externally to ensure the bones remain in an optimal position during the healing process. This device is commonly used in children and when the skin over the fracture has been damaged.

What is the difference between ORIF and CRIF?

Although ORIF has advantages of direct look and restoration of normal function, its application still limited by the potential negative effects of nerve damage, swelling, incomplete healing of the bone, increased pressure and blood clot. CRIF has advantages of avoiding injury to the medial circumflex femoral artery.

Do intramedullary rods need to be removed?

Intramedullary rods , pins, and other implants do not help bones to heal faster. They do help to hold things in place while the body heals, and they are typically meant to stay in the body forever. There are cases, though, when removing metal plates and screws, or other implants, may be necessary.

Are rods in bones permanent?

Once the bone has fully healed, the rod/nail no longer serves a purpose and may be removed. This is typically done a year after the original surgery and can be an outpatient procedure (i.e., the patient does not stay in the hospital overnight after surgery).