Telescopic rods vs. non-telescopic rods in the treatment of osteogenesis imperfecta: A systematic review

Purpose: To compare revision and complication rates between telescopic and non-telescopic intramedullary rods in children with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI). Methods: A systematic review was conducted according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines and registered in the PROSPERO database (CRD42021287054). Databases were searched up to December 2025. Studies reporting surgical outcomes of intramedullary fixation in OI were included. Meta-analysis was performed using random-effects models. Results: Thirty-six studies including 1711 patients and 2459 treated bones were analyzed. Telescopic rods were associated with significantly lower revision rates compared to non-telescopic rods. No significant difference in overall complication rates was observed. Conclusion: Telescopic rods provide improved implant survival and reduce the need for reoperation in growing children with osteogenesis imperfecta, supporting their preferential use in clinical practice.