| abstract |
An intramedullary rod (10) for the fixation of a bone fracture or osteotomy has at least two portions (12a, 13) of differing radio density at either longitudinal end region of the rod. The portions of differing radio density allow regions into which fixation screws can be inserted to be easily identified using x-ray imaging, hi one embodiment, the rod has a main body (12) formed of titanium and portions (13) of polymeric material (13) are located in slots formed at either end of the body. The polymeric material has a different radio density to the titanium and can be drilled in situ to accept fixing screws, hi another embodiment (Figure 6), a central layer of polymeric material (213) extends the length of the rod between two casing portions of titanium (212a). In a further alternative embodiment (Figure 7) the rod (310) comprises two casing portions (312a) of solid metal and a central mesh (313) of the same material. |