What is a intramedullary fixation?

What is a intramedullary fixation?

An intramedullary nail is a metal rod that is inserted into the medullary cavity of a bone and across the fracture in order to provide a solid support for the fractured bone. Intramedullary nailing is currently considered the “gold standard” for treatment of femoral shaft fractures (Rudloff 2009).

What is femur fracture fixation?

Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) is surgery used to stabilize and heal a broken bone. You might need this procedure to treat your broken thighbone (femur). The femur is the large bone in the upper part of your leg. Different kinds of trauma can damage this bone, causing it to fracture into 2 or more pieces.

What are the key benefits to intramedullary nailing in the distal femur?

In any fracture fixation, the advantages of intramedullary nailing include indirect reduction with less stripping of periosteal blood supply and preservation of soft tissues and the fracture hematoma with its bone-forming cells and factors.

How is an intramedullary rod inserted?

Inserting the Rod An intramedullary rod is inserted into the top of the femur and guided down through the fracture site and into the bottom portion of the bone. Surgical screws are inserted into the top end of the femur, through the rod and into the femoral head to secure the rod.

What is intramedullary implant?

Intramedullary nails Intramedullary devices (IM nails) are used as internal struts to stabilise long bone fractures. Intramedullary nails are also used for fixation of femoral neck or inter-trochanteric bone fractures; however, this application requires the addition of screws.

When can I start weight bearing after femur surgery?

Introduction. Plate fixation for distal femoral fractures is a commonly used method of fracture stabilisation. Many orthopaedic surgeons traditionally do not allow their patients to weight bear for the first 6 weeks after surgery, fearing of loss of fracture reduction and metalwork failure.

How much does an intramedullary nail cost?

The cost of the intramedullary nails and interlocking screws accounted for 79.6 % of the total supply and medication cost. Each intramedullary nail cost $95.00 while each interlocking screw cost $15.00. On average 2.6 interlocking screws were thus contributing a cost of $39.10 (range $0–$60.00; SD $15.00).

Can you walk after femur surgery?

Full recovery from a femur fracture can take anywhere from 12 weeks to 12 months. But you are not alone. Most people experiencing a femur fracture can begin walking with the help of a physical therapist in the first day or two after injury and/or surgery.

What are intramedullary rods made of?

Usually, the rod is made of titanium and they come in different lengths and diameters to fit patients of different ages and heights. A small incision is made at either the hip or the knee and the rod is inserted into the marrow canal. Screws are used to hold it in position at each end.

Are intramedullary rods 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).

How long do titanium rods last?

Titanium is also incredibly durable and long-lasting. When titanium cages, rods, plates and pins are inserted into the body, they can last for upwards of 20 years.

How long does it take to walk normal after femur surgery?

When can I walk after femur surgery?

Can a intramedullary rod break?

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