Open Reduction and Internal Fixation – A Detailed Guide

Abbreviated as ORIF, open reduction, and internal fixation is a surgical technique in the field of orthopedics. Among all surgeries that surgeons perform to treat fractures, ORIF is the most common. This surgery involves the use of orthopedic implants and instruments. The type of implants that surgeons choose depends on the type and severity of fractures. There are hundreds of different types of trauma implants and surgeons select accordingly.

In this post, we will discuss the open reduction and internal fixation in detail along with when and how orthopedic surgeons perform this.

What is Open Reduction and Internal Fixation?

Severe orthopedic fractures require surgery and the technique used is known as open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). ORIF is the option to treat fractures that orthopedic specialists cannot manage with the application of a cast or splint.

If we specifically talk about fractures that require open reduction and internal fixation, then those are unstable fractures with significant displacement. Besides this, fractures that involve joints also require surgical intervention. Let us see why we call this orthopedic surgery open reduction and internal fixation.

Open Reduction

When a bone breaks and the broken fragments move out of their place, it is important to realign them for proper healing. The process of realigning the fracture is “reduction”. In the case of mildly displaced fractures, the orthopedic specialist physically realigns the bone with force (closed reduction). Before that, the orthopedic specialist will give anesthesia. While on the other hand, severely displaced fractures require clear access to the bone for reduction. For that, the surgeon needs to make an incision. So, the process of reducing a fracture after making an incision is open reduction.

Internal Fixation

Now, after fracture reduction requires the use of orthopedic implants to hold it in the correct alignment for proper healing. For this, the surgeon will apply orthopedic plates, orthopedic screws, pins, wires, and rods. This is the process that we call internal fixation.

Hence, the steps that are involved in the surgical treatment of fractures name the surgery “open reduction and internal fixation. Read More