Intramedullary Fixation: YIKES.

Intramedullary fixation (placing a rod inside the bone) is usually recommended for people who have attained skeletal maturity. The thighbone is like a tube, with a soft center surrounded by hard (cortical) bone. During a surgical procedure, a special rod (intramedullary nail) is inserted into the thighbone. The insertion may be near the hip or just above the knee. The rod extends into the middle of the bone and across the fracture site. It is locked in place with screws that pass through the bone and across the rod. This enables early movement and good stabilization of the fracture. After the fracture heals, the nail is removed.

ZOINKS!