Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) is a surgery used to fix and heal a broken bone, open fracture, or displaced fracture. This procedure is used to fix fractures that can’t be treated with a cast or splint. Mostly these fractures are related to displacement, instability, or maybe joint-related issues.
Most people with a fractured femur need surgery, commonly ORIF. The broken femur may not heal properly without the surgery. ORIF can place your fractured bones back to their original position. This significantly increases the chance that the bone will heal properly. Orthopedic Doctors might recommend nonsurgical treatment for a very young child, or for people with other medical conditions that make surgery more dangerous. ORIF may be required if your femur fractures anywhere, including the portion that forms part of your hip joint.
ORIF is frequently performed as an emergency or urgent procedure. Before the procedure, a healthcare provider will take your medical history and do a physical exam. The femur needs to be examined, most likely with an X-ray or a computed tomography scan (CT).
This procedure might be done immediately or scheduled in advance, depending on your fracture and risk for complications. If you have a scheduled surgery, you may need to fast and stop taking certain medications first.
An orthopedic surgeon and a team of experts will perform the surgery. The whole procedure may take a few hours. Know the following steps of this procedure:
After the surgery, most people do really well. However, there are potential risks and side effects associated with ORIF. These includes:
The risk for complications may vary depending on the age, the anatomy of the femur fracture, and other medical conditions. For example, people with low diabetes or bone mass may be at greater risk for some complications. Smokers may also have higher risk. Better, consult the doctor about the risks before going for surgery.
Yes it is! The doctor might recommend ORIF if the bones get broken in multiple places.
You can expect some pain and swelling around the cut (incision) for 2 to 3 weeks after the surgery and mild pain for up to 6 weeks after surgery.
The surgery usually takes 1 to 2 hours in most cases, depending on how serious the fracture is.
The bone fragments will be repositioned into normal alignment. During the surgery, the bone fragments are held together with hardware such as plates, screws, or wires. Stainless steel or titanium are used for the implants since they are strong and long-lasting metals.
Yes, the ORIF surgery is quite affordable in India than to other Western and Europena countries.
It depens on the city and hospital you choose. However, it generally varies between Rs 2,50,000 to 4,50,000.
Generally, a screw is positioned across a joint to hold the joint. Metalwork that has become infected should always be removed, preferably after the fracture has healed.
