Rodding
Rodding is a process where a metal pin or rod is
inserted, lengthwise, into the bone. The most common "rods" used are
the "Rush Pin" which is a solid one piece rod with a hooked end, and the
"Bailey-Dubow" telescoping rod that is similar to a two piece telescoping radio
antenna. Rods are commonly used to straighten bowed bones, and to hold together
fratures that are displaced or can not be easily immobilized by a cast, or supported by a
brace. The rod helps to keep the bone straight, and also helps to keep the bone in
place in case of a fracture. Generally, the rod is inserted into the middle of
the bone (where the bone marrow is) from the end through a small incision.
Sometimes, the bone is too bowed, or crooked, and the bone must be cut into two or more
pieces which are threaded onto the rod one at a time.
Rush Pin
The Rush Pin is usually inserted in one end
of the bone and anchors (hooked end) at the end of the bone. As the bone grows
longer, the growing end of the bone grows away from the end of the pin. This causes
the one end of the bone to loose the support of the pin. In cases where there is
severe bone fragility, there can be more fractures due to this loss of support.
Bailey-Dubow Rod
The Bailey-Dubow rod is a two piece
rod. It is inserted into the bone at both ends and is anchoed by a small flat disk
attached to the ends of the rod. There is a solid piece that slides into a hollow
piece which allows the rod to lengthen as the bone grows longer. This type of rod is
commonly used in children where there is substatial bone growth expected. These rods
are typically replaced at intervals as the bone grows to keep the two pieces from
seperating inside the bone. This type of rod provides support to the whole length of
the bone as it grows.
Pros and Cons of Rodding
Pros:
Cons:
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