
Open reduction internal fixation (ORIF
Internal fixation
Internal fixation is an operation in orthopedics that involves the surgical implementation of implants for the purpose of repairing a bone, a concept that dates to the mid-nineteenth century and was made applicable for routine treatment in the mid-twentieth century. An internal fixator may be ma…
What should avoid if you have an open fracture?
Treatment of an Open Fracture to Prevent Infection
- Surgically Cleaning the Bone. Surgically cleaning the bone is one of the first steps for treating an open fracture. ...
- Removing Contaminated or Non-Viable Tissue. ...
- Stabilizing the Bone. ...
- Antibiotic Administration. ...
- Timing of Events. ...
- Prognosis of Open Fractures. ...
- A Word From Verywell. ...
What is the best treatment for open fractures?
Treatment
- Debridement and Irrigation. These are the first steps in controlling the risk for infection. ...
- Internal Fixation. In this procedure, your doctor places metal implants—such as plates, rods, or screws—on the surface of or inside the broken bone.
- External Fixation. ...
- Treatment of More Complex Wounds. ...
What is the difference between open and closed reduction?
The risk of AVN may be influenced by:
- Mechanism of injury (high-energy vs low-energy fracture)
- Initial displacement of the fracture
- Fracture pattern
- Timing of reduction
- Possibility of damage to the blood supply during reduction maneuvers
- Quality of final reduction
- Stability of the fixation
- Decompression of the joint cavity at the time of surgery
How to manage an open fracture?
- articular surface
- humeral shaft
- greater tuberosity
- lesser tuberosity

What is an open fracture reduction?
During an open reduction, orthopedic surgeons reposition the pieces of your fractured bone surgically so that your bones are back in their proper alignment. In a closed reduction, a doctor physically moves the bones back into place without surgically exposing the bone.
Is open reduction the same as open fracture?
Bone fracture repair is a surgery to fix a broken bone using metal screws, pins, rods, or plates to hold the bone in place. It's also known as open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) surgery.
What is reduction in fracture healing?
Closed reduction is a procedure to set (reduce) a broken bone without surgery. It allows the bone to grow back together. It can be done by an orthopedic surgeon (bone doctor) or a primary care provider who has experience doing this procedure.
Can you do a closed reduction on an open fracture?
Closed reduction is a procedure to set (reduce) a broken bone without cutting the skin open. The broken bone is put back in place, which allows it to grow back together. It works best when it is done as soon as possible after the bone breaks.
Why is it called open reduction?
Open reduction means that the broken bone is realigned during surgery (an “open” procedure) rather than a closed reduction, which is performed without the need for surgery. Internal fixation refers to the components that are used to stabilise the bone (screws, plates or rods).
How is open reduction done?
During an open reduction, orthopedic surgeons reposition your bone pieces during surgery, so they are back in their proper alignment. In a closed reduction, a healthcare provider physically moves the bones back into place without surgically exposing the bone.
What is reduction of a joint?
Joint Reduction is the process by which a structure is brought back into its normal anatomic position. (This term also applies to the bones in the case of fracture.) Reduction can be spontaneous---ie, the joint simply "pops back into place".
Do all fractures require reduction?
When Is Open Reduction Surgery Needed? Not all fractures can be fixed with a closed reduction, especially if they are unstable, open, or if the risk-to-benefit ratio is unfavorable as determined by the orthopedic surgeon.
Is reduction the same as manipulation?
Prior to casting or fixation, the broken bone(s) must be returned to its proper position. This is referred to as “reduction.” “Closed” reduction is manipulation of a fracture without an incision. “Open” reduction refers to manipulation of a fracture after incision into the fracture site.
In what type of fracture would open reduction most likely occur?
compound fractureOpen reduction requires surgery to return the broken ends of the bone to their correct anatomical position. A partial fracture would likely require closed reduction. A compound fracture would require open reduction.
When do you use open and closed reduction?
Unstable, complete fractures, with or without displacement Complete, displaced fractures should always be reduced and stabilized through an open approach, provided suitable expertise and facilities exist. Closed management should be avoided.
When is closed reduction used?
Closed reduction is used when your bone is broken in one place and the bone pieces have not gone through the skin. It is also used when you do not need hardware such as pins, screws, or plates to hold the pieces of bone in place. It is best if closed reduction can be done as soon as possible after your bone is broken.
Why is fracture reduction important?
Fracture reduction is essential to ensure that the bone heals properly and that permanent functional loss or deformity is avoided. If you suffer trauma and suspect that you may have broken a bone, you must seek medical attention immediately. Failure to do so can cause permanent nerve, vascular, or bone damage and may result in significant ...
What is closed reduction?
A closed reduction involves using the hands to maneuver the fractured bone pieces into their correct positions. Occasionally specialized instruments are used to provide a light-traction force to help separate the fractured bone pieces so that they can be easily adjusted.
What is ORIF surgery?
An ORIF is a surgical procedure , and after the surgery scar tissue will be present over the incision site . Your physical therapist can help teach you stretches and scar tissue massage to help manage the scar tissue. If percutaneous pins were used to reduce your fracture, scar tissue may also be present where the pins pierced the skin.
How to stabilize a fracture?
Another way to reduce and stabilize a fracture is by the use of percutaneous pins. These are pins that are passed through the skin and into the bone pieces to hold them in place. 2 The pins are left in place until adequate healing has taken place, and then they are removed by your doctor.
What to do if you break a bone?
If you break a bone, seek medical attention immediately. Ask your doctor questions and understand the type of reduction that is necessary to fix the fracture. Once healing has taken place, physical therapy may be necessary to help ensure that you safely and quickly return to optimal function. Also Known As: Fracture setting.
What can a physical therapist do after a fracture?
When appropriate healing has taken place, your physical therapist can help decide which exercises would be best to help ensure that maximal bone healing occurs and that you are able to function normally after a fracture. Your PT may prescribe a home exercise program to help you regain strength and mobility.
How to improve mobility after bone fracture?
Your PT may prescribe a home exercise program to help you regain strength and mobility. Specific exercises can help you improve your mobility while placing just the right amount of stress through your bone to aid in the healing process. If you break a bone, seek medical attention immediately.
What is an open reduction and internal fixation?
What is open reduction and internal fixation for an arm fracture? Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) is a type of surgery used to stabilize and heal a broken bone. You might need this procedure to treat your broken arm.
What is the ORIF procedure?
ORIF often takes place as an emergency or urgent procedure. Before your procedure, a healthcare professional will take your medical history and do a physical exam. You’ll have an image of your humerus taken, probably with an X-ray or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
What happens if you fracture your humerus?
In certain types of humerus fractures, your humerus is broken but its pieces still line up correctly. In other types of fractures (displaced fractures), the injury moves the bone fragments out of alignment. If you fracture your humerus, you might need ORIF to bring your bones back into place and help them heal.
What is the purpose of ORIF?
If you fracture your humerus, you might need ORIF to bring your bones back into place and help them heal. During an open reduction, orthopedic surgeons reposition the pieces of your fractured bone surgically so that your bones are back in their proper alignment. In a closed reduction, a doctor physically moves the bones back into place without ...
What is internal fixation?
Internal fixation refers to the method of physically reconnecting the bones. This method uses special screws, plates, wires, or nails to align the bones correctly. This prevents the bones from healing abnormally.
Can a smoker cause a humerus fracture?
Your own risk of complications may vary according to your age, the anatomy of your humerus frac ture, and your other medical conditions. For example, people with low bone mass or diabetes may be at higher risk of complications. Being a smoker may also increase your risk.
Does a fractured humerus need ORIF?
For example, osteoporosis increases the risk of arm fracture in many older adults. Not everyone with a fractured humerus needs ORIF. In fact, most people don’t. If possible, your doctor will treat your arm fracture with more conservative treatments, like pain medicine, splints, and slings.
What is an open fracture reduction?
Definition. An open fracture reduction puts pieces of a broken bone into place using surgery. Screws and a plate or external support frame may be needed to hold the pieces in place.
How long does it take for a fractured bone to heal?
At Home. It can take 3 to 6 weeks for a mild fracture to heal. It may take many months for a severe fracture of a long bone to heal. Exercises to help with muscle strength and range of motion will be needed.
Where is the incision made in a bone break?
Description of the Procedure. An incision will be made in the skin above the break. The pieces of bone will be moved into the right place. Screws, a plate with screws, or a rod may be used inside the body or an external frame fixed to the bone fragments may be used outside the body to hold the bones in place.
What is the first part of a bone fracture?
The first part is open reduction. The surgeon will cut the skin and move the bone back into the normal position. The second part is internal fixation. The surgeon will attach metal rods, screws, plates, or pins to the bone to hold it together. The type of hardware used depends on the location and type of fracture.
How long does it take to recover from a fractured bone?
Generally, recovery takes 3 to 12 months. Every surgery is different. Complete recovery depends on the type, severity, and location of your fracture. Recovery can take longer if you develop complications after surgery. Once your bones begin to heal, your doctor may have you do physical or occupational therapy.
What is ORIF surgery?
ORIF is performed by an orthopedic surgeon. The surgery is used to fix fractures in the arms and legs, including bones in the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, and ankle. Depending on your fracture and risk for complications, your procedure might be done immediately or scheduled in advance.
What is an ORIF?
Overview. Open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) is a surgery to fix severely broken bones. It’s only used for serious fractures that can’t be treated with a cast or splint. These injuries are usually fractures that are displaced, unstable, or those that involve the joint. “Open reduction” means a surgeon makes an incision to re-align the bone.
How long does an ORIF last?
ORIF isn’t for minor fractures that can be healed with a cast or splint. ORIF recovery can last 3 to 12 months.
How long does it take to heal from an ORIF?
ORIF isn’t for minor fractures that can be healed with a cast or splint. ORIF recovery can last 3 to 12 months. You’ll need physical or occupational therapy, pain medication, and lots of rest. You should contact your doctor if you experience bleeding, increasing pain, or other new symptoms during recovery.
How to stay immobile after surgery?
Your limb may need to stay immobile for a while. If you were given a sling, wheelchair, or crutches, use them as directed. Continue physical therapy. If your physical therapist taught you home exercises and stretches, do them regularly. It’s important to attend all your checkups after surgery.
Where does the bone break?
Most often, this happens along the middle of the bone. Occasionally, the bone breaks near where it attaches to the ribcage, or near where it attaches to the shoulder blade.
What is a clavicle fracture?
What is clavicle fracture open reduction and internal fixation? Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) is a type of surgery used to stabilize and heal a broken bone. You might need this procedure to treat your broken collarbone (clavicle).
What are the complications of a broken rib?
Possible complications include: Broken screws or plates. Infection. Damage to an artery or vein. Nerve damage. Bone misalignment. Injury to the lung. Complications from anesthesia. There is also a risk that the fracture won’t heal properly, and you’ll need repeat surgery.
What is internal fixation?
Internal fixation refers to the method of physically reconnecting the bones. This method uses special screws, plates, wires, or nails to position the bones correctly. This prevents the bones from healing abnormally.
What do surgeons use to fix clavicle?
Next, your surgeon will secure the pieces of clavicle to each other (fixation). To do this, he or she may use screws, metal plates, wires, and pins. (Ask what the surgeon will use in your case.) Your doctor may make other necessary repairs.
Can a baby fracture the clavicle?
In some cases, a newborn baby will fracture the clavicle during the birth process. Not everyone with a fractured clavicle needs ORIF. In fact, most people don’ t. If possible, your doctor will treat your clavicle fracture with more conservative treatments, like pain medicines, splints, and slings.
Can osteoporosis cause a clavicle fracture?
For example, osteoporosis increases the risk of clavicle fracture in many older adults. You may fracture your clavicle from a direct blow to the shoulder, such as while playing a sport or if you're in a car wreck. Falling on an outstretched arm may also fracture a clavicle.
What is the CPT code for open fracture?
A diagnosis of open fracture means that the skin has been broken traumatically, but it does not automatically require open surgical treatment, which is required for Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code 26765.
What is closed treatment?
Closed treatment specifically means that the fracture is not surgically opened (exposed to the external environment and directly visualized). It includes repair with manipulation, repair without manipulation, or repair with or without traction Open treatment means that the surgeon performs an incision to expose the fracture ...
What is the procedure to remove a fractured digit?
An x-ray may be obtained to confirm the reduction of the fracture. The surgeon will place a splint or brace on the digit for protection. Generally, these procedures are performed in an operating room of a hospital or ambulatory surgery center.

Definition
Reasons For Procedure
Possible Complications
- A closed reduction involves using the hands to maneuver the fractured bone pieces into their correct positions. Occasionally specialized instruments are used to provide a light-traction force to help separate the fractured bone pieces so that they can be easily adjusted. More severe fractures may require an open reduction. This is a surgical proced...
What to Expect
Call Your Doctor
- An open fracture reduction puts pieces of a broken boneinto place using surgery. Screws and a plate or external support frame may be needed to hold the pieces in place.