Fractures have become one of the most common orthopedic conditions that are reported in hospitals across the globe. Some are serious, some are moderate, and some are mild. Different types of fractures require different types of treatments. Mild and moderate cases can be fixed with closed reduction and application of a cast or a splint. While on the other hand, serious fracture cases require the application of orthopedic implants like a locking compression plate, locking variable angle plate, or others during a surgical intervention.
Now, when it comes to surgery, ORIF is the one that is commonly performed. In this post, we will discuss what ORIF surgery is and how it is done to fix serious fractures.
ORIF Surgery – An Overview
Abbreviated for Open Reduction and Internal Fixation, ORIF is a surgical procedure performed in an operation theatre after giving general or local anesthesia to the patient. It is recommended for unstable, displaced, compound, and multi-fragmentary fractures. ORIF surgery is the answer when the application of a cast, splint, or sling cannot provide expected results.
The goal of this surgical procedure is to bring back broken bone fragments into correct alignment, restore mobility of the affected area, and reduce symptoms like pain, inflammation, & swelling.
ORIF Surgery – The Basic Procedure
Unlike closed reduction where the surgeon realigns the bones by manipulating without an incision, open reduction requires an incision to be made as the break is so severe that reduction cannot be done without actually exposing the bone.
So, the first step during ORIF is an incision that will be made by the surgeon at the fracture site using appropriate tools and instruments. The incision is made to expose the broken bone so that it can be realigned into its correct anatomy. Once the reduction is done, the surgeon will move towards internal fixation.
Internal fixation is where the realigned bones are fixed using orthopedic implants like orthopedic implants plates, orthopedic screws, pins, and wires. These implants will keep bone fragments in place so that proper healing could take place. Hundreds of types of orthopedic implants are there, and they are chosen based on the location and severity of the fracture.
After internal fixation is successfully done, the surgeon will replace muscles, tendons, and other structures, and close the incision to allow bones to heal naturally. In certain cases, a cast may also be applied after the surgery to keep the operated area immobilize and avoid chances of displacement of bone fragments.
ORIF Surgery – Post-Operative Care
After a successful ORIF Surgery, it is important to follow the instructions given by the surgeon for speedy and better recovery. Take proper rest as suggested along with a diet rich in calcium, vitamin D, zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, and other nutrients. Besides this, targeted physical therapy is also a must to regain the flexibility and strength of muscles in and around the operated area.
Siora Surgicals Pvt. Ltd. is one of the oldest trauma implants manufacturers in India with over 3 decades of experience. The company fabricates a wide range of CE-certified implants that are supplied to hundreds of distributors in over 50 countries. Siora is also looking for a reliable distributor of orthopedic implants in Ukraine to expand its international market reach.