FRACTURE OPEN REDUCTION INTERNAL FIXATION

If you need a Fracture Open Reduction Internal Fixation, please Schedule an appointment with one of our orthopedic specialists as soon as possible.

What Is A Fracture Open Reduction Internal Fixation?

Surgeons perform fracture open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) as a surgical procedure to treat complex or severe fractures. They realign the broken bones and stabilize them using internal implants like plates, screws, or rods. Surgeons commonly choose ORIF when conservative treatments, like casting or splinting, are unlikely to provide adequate healing or alignment for the fractured bones.

Fracture Open Reduction Internal Fixation Procedure

During fracture open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) surgery, the medical team administers general anesthesia to ensure the patient remains unconscious and pain-free throughout the procedure. The surgeon then makes an incision over the fractured area to access the broken bones and surrounding tissues. Next, the surgeon carefully manipulates and aligns the fractured bone fragments back into their anatomical position, a process known as fracture reduction. Once the surgeon properly reduces the fracture, they use specialized implants like plates, screws, or rods to stabilize the bones in their correct position. These implants go internally, beneath the skin, and remain invisible externally. Finally, the surgeon closes the incision with sutures, dressing and bandaging the surgical site.

After surgery, the patient may require crutches or a walker to prevent placing weight on the affected limb. The surgeon will issue post-operative care instructions, including wound care, pain management, and physical therapy exercises to facilitate recovery. ORIF typically addresses fractures in long bones like the femur (thigh bone), tibia (shinbone), humerus (upper arm bone), and radius or ulna (forearm bones). It’s particularly recommended for intra-articular fractures (those involving the joint surface), displaced fractures, and unstable fractures susceptible to further displacement.

This procedure offers advantages such as promoting early mobilization, enhancing alignment of fractured bones, and increasing the likelihood of successful bone healing. Nevertheless, like any surgical intervention, it carries potential risks and complications including infection, nerve or blood vessel damage, implant failure, and non-union (failure of the bone to heal). The decision to undergo ORIF is reached following a comprehensive assessment and consultation with an orthopedic surgeon. Factors considered include the type and location of the fracture, the patient’s general health, and their lifestyle, all of which contribute to formulating the most suitable treatment strategy.

If you would like to speak to an Orthopedic Specialist, give us a call at 817-697-4038, or contact us over the web. Tele-medicine appointments are also available.