Complications of Intramedullary Rodding for Chronic Tibial Stress Fractures inFemale Athletes: Three Case Reports

Abstract

The purpose of this case study is to present complications in three cases of female intercollegiate athletes with intramedullary rodding for chronic tibial stress fracture. Three female college athletes underwent tibial rodding insertion after diagnosed with chronic tibial stress fracture. Postoperatively, the stress fracture healed; however, unusual stress reaction occurred at the distal end of the anterior tibia a few months postsurgery, resulting in a high reoperative rate. The athletes’ cases were unique in two distinct ways: (a) literature presents one case of a successful intramedullary rodding for anterior tibial stress fracture; (b) the athletes later developed a painful stress reaction at the distal tibia near the tip of the rod, requiring additional surgery. Treatment and rehabilitation of the intramedullary rodding ultimately led to satisfactory clinical and radiographic healing. Study of the material of rod, its degree of stiffness, geometry, and rehabilitation regimen on treatment outcomes remains deficient.