American Board of Surgical Assistants (ABSA) Orthopedic Practice Test

What type of fractures are intramedullary rods primarily used for?

1. Fractures of the wrist

2. Shaft fractures of long bones

3. Fractures of the pelvis

4. Fractures of the skull

The correct answer is: Shaft fractures of long bones

Intramedullary rods are primarily utilized for shaft fractures of long bones due to their unique design and functionality. Long bones, such as the femur, tibia, and humerus, experience significant mechanical stress during weight-bearing activities. Intramedullary rods are inserted into the medullary canal, providing both stability and alignment to the fractured bone. This method allows for a direct load transmission along the axis of the bone, which is particularly beneficial for healing and restoring normal function. The use of intramedullary rods offers several advantages, including minimally invasive techniques, reduced healing times, and the ability to preserve surrounding soft tissues. This makes them an optimal choice for treating mid-shaft fractures of long bones, where traditional external fixation might be less effective. In contrast, fractures of the wrist, pelvis, and skull typically do not utilize intramedullary rods. Wrist fractures generally require plates or external fixation devices, while pelvic fractures often demand more complex stabilization techniques that may involve external fixation or plates. Skull fractures usually require conservative management or surgical intervention through craniotomy rather than fixation devices like intramedullary rods. Therefore, the application of intramedullary rods is best suited for shaft fractures of long bones, reinforcing their role in orthopedic