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What is Open Reduction Internal Fixation?

A. Ribken
A. Ribken

An Open Reduction Internal Fixation (ORIF) refers to a surgical procedure to fix a severe bone fracture, or break. "Open reduction" means surgery is needed to realign the bone fracture into the normal position. "Internal fixation" refers to the steel rods, screws, or plates used to keep the bone fracture stable in order to heal the right way and to help prevent infection. Open reduction internal fixation can also refer to the surgical repair of a joint, such as a hip or knee replacement.

The surgical procedure is performed by a doctor who specializes in orthopedics, which is a branch of medicine concerning the musculoskeletal structure of the body. Under general anesthesia, an incision is made at the site of the break or injury, and the fracture is carefully re-aligned or the joint replaced. The hardware is installed, and the incision is closed with staples or stitches. The steel rods, screws, or plates can be permanent, or temporary and removed when healing takes place.

Anesthesia will be used during an open reduction internal fixation procedure.
Anesthesia will be used during an open reduction internal fixation procedure.

Once the procedure is performed, a cast is usually applied. In the case of an ankle fracture, for instance, the first cast is a non-weight bearing cast, and crutches can be used to help keep weight off the healing bones. Later, when the healing has progressed, this cast will be replaced with one that can bear weight. Eventually, after a period of some weeks, the cast will be removed entirely.

Painkillers may be necessary following an open reduction internal fixation procedure.
Painkillers may be necessary following an open reduction internal fixation procedure.

Recovery from a bone fracture after an open reduction internal fixation can be quite painful, and pain management becomes a concern. Commonly, acetaminophen with codeine is prescribed, as research has shown ibuprofen or other non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may slow down or inhibit the rate of healing. It is important to take the drugs as prescribed to help manage the pain cycle.

Physical therapy may be helpful following an open reduction internal fixation procedure.
Physical therapy may be helpful following an open reduction internal fixation procedure.

Physical therapy is also an important part of the recovery process after an open reduction internal fixation. Since the part of the body that has been injured is usually held still or immobilized for a long period of time, the muscles, tendons, and ligaments can become weak. Physical therapy helps to restore the strength, range of motion, and endurance of the affected area. It can also help with pain management. Physical therapy can consist of exercises, hot or cold packs, ultrasound, and nerve stimulation, or a combination of treatments.

A severely broken bone is typically covered with a cast after an open reduction internal fixation.
A severely broken bone is typically covered with a cast after an open reduction internal fixation.

Complications of ORIF can include infection, swelling, and movement of the installed hardware. The recovery process can take months, because bones grow slowly. Other factors that can affect recovery are the location and severity of the break, the age of the person, and the type of bone broken.

Discussion Comments

anon305035

I Have an exam in ORIF about the signs and symptoms of ORIF and the pathophisiology of ORIF. Can someone give me this information about ORIF?

A man was on the job for three years and he fell. The right femur was broken. He was admitted to the hospital and is now released. He was re-admitted to the hospital where the surgery was done with an infection and inflammation at the fracture site.

anon285643

I had ORIF on my left upper humurus and have completed two 1/2 months of therapy with two more months ahead. This was extremely painful post surgery and now I'm depressed about the lost motion, but I'll keep going. I did not know ibuprofen could hinder healing.

jaczz33

I had ORIF surgery on my left ankle after a bad break in September, and now, in mid January, I am still limping along, in pain, which is even worse for me since I have suffered with severe stabbing foot and ankle pain for a few years now.

I am often depressed, tearful, and am in a kind of mourning because I was once an avid walker, and miss it so much. It is also a worry because my job requires 80 percent or more standing during the workday, and I am not sure if I will be able to go back to the full duties, and may lose the job.

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    • Anesthesia will be used during an open reduction internal fixation procedure.
      By: Tyler Olson
      Anesthesia will be used during an open reduction internal fixation procedure.
    • Painkillers may be necessary following an open reduction internal fixation procedure.
      By: andreeastock
      Painkillers may be necessary following an open reduction internal fixation procedure.
    • Physical therapy may be helpful following an open reduction internal fixation procedure.
      By: Photographee.eu
      Physical therapy may be helpful following an open reduction internal fixation procedure.
    • A severely broken bone is typically covered with a cast after an open reduction internal fixation.
      By: kameel
      A severely broken bone is typically covered with a cast after an open reduction internal fixation.
    • Open reduction internal fixation can refer to a hip replacement.
      By: JASON WINTER
      Open reduction internal fixation can refer to a hip replacement.
    • After surgery, a patient will use crutches to help keep weight off the healing bones.
      By: AVAVA
      After surgery, a patient will use crutches to help keep weight off the healing bones.
    • In open reduction internal fixation, rods, screws, or plates may be used to keep bone fractures stable.
      By: Thomas Hecker
      In open reduction internal fixation, rods, screws, or plates may be used to keep bone fractures stable.