Which type of fixation is an IM rod?

Which type of fixation is an IM rod?

• A. External fixation
• B. Splinting
• C. Arthrodesis
• D. Tension-band

Answer: (B)

An intramedullary rod is placed inside the bone’s medullary canal to stabilize a fracture from within, which is internal fixation. External fixation uses hardware outside the skin connected to a frame, not inside the bone. Splinting is external immobilization with a device outside the body. Arthrodesis is fusion of a joint, not a fixation device. Tension-band techniques use a band or wire to convert tensile forces into compression across a fracture, and are a specific fixation method rather than a rod placed inside the bone. So, the IM rod is a form of internal fixation, distinguishing it from external methods, splinting, fusion, or tension-band techniques.

An intramedullary rod is placed inside the bone’s medullary canal to stabilize a fracture from within, which is internal fixation. External fixation uses hardware outside the skin connected to a frame, not inside the bone. Splinting is external immobilization with a device outside the body. Arthrodesis is fusion of a joint, not a fixation device. Tension-band techniques use a band or wire to convert tensile forces into compression across a fracture, and are a specific fixation method rather than a rod placed inside the bone. So, the IM rod is a form of internal fixation, distinguishing it from external methods, splinting, fusion, or tension-band techniques.