The choice of intramedullary devices for the femur and the tibia in osteogenesis imperfecta

The results of intramedullary rodding of 50 femoral and 25 tibial segments were analyzed retrospectively. The techniques of femoral rodding included single Rush rodding, dual Rush rodding and Sheffield telescoping rodding. Single Rush rods or Sheffield rods were used in the tibia. The frequencies of fractures following rodding and implant-related complications and the interval between initial rodding and rod revision were analyzed. The longevity of the rods was evaluated by survival analysis. In the femur, dual Rush rods and Sheffield rods were equally effective and both were superior to a single Rush rod with reference to each of the outcome variables. The technique of dual Rush rodding was more demanding than telescoping rodding. In the tibia, a single Rush rod was as effective as a Sheffield telescoping rod. Based on our results, a single Rush rod would be the preferred implant in the tibia while in the femur, dual Rush rods or a Sheffield telescoping rod may be preferred.