What is the purpose of intramedullary rods?

Intramedullary rods, also known as intramedullary nails, are specifically designed to fixate and stabilize shaft fractures of long bones. The primary purpose of these devices is to provide structural support by being inserted into the medullary canal, which is the central cavity of long bones. This method allows for the alignment of fractured pieces and promotes healing while preserving the bone's natural anatomy, which can be especially beneficial in cases of complex fractures.

In contrast, stabilizing the spine typically involves different surgical methods such as plating or fusion techniques, rather than the use of intramedullary rods. Joint integrity is often supported through devices designed specifically for joints, like screws or plates, rather than rods which are utilized in long bone applications. Similarly, while certain implants may aid in promoting bone growth, the primary function of intramedullary rods is not to stimulate osteogenesis but to provide mechanical stability to the fractured bone.