ORIF Fixation

ORIF FIXATION

Bone injuries, fractures become very serious, critical and painful at times. The orthopedic treatment to such severe injuries might also involve surgical procedures. Depending upon the location of injury, type of bone and age of person etc. the surgical procedure is carried out. This surgical procedure related to the treatment of severe fractures is also termed as ORIF fixation (Open Reduction Internal Fixation).

Mewar Hospital, the chain of orthopedic hospitals, is one of the recognized specialty hospitals in the state having experienced team of orthopedic practitioners and surgeons. They have successfully treated many critical cases that had undergone ORIF fixation.

The ORIF involves a surgical step by step procedure to fix the severe bone injuries and fractures. Here the term “Open Reduction” refers to realignment of bone fracture to a normal posture. Whereas the “Internal Fixation” refers to the fixation of steel rods, plates and screws. This keeps the bone fracture affixed and helps in healing in a right manner. The surgical repairing of hip joints, knee replacement etc. is also termed as ORIF at several times.

The ORIF surgery is performed by the specialist in orthopedics. The orthopedics is a branch medical science that deals with the muscular and skeletal system of human body. The procedure of ORIF involves by making an opening at the location of fracture under the influence of local anesthesia. After installing the hardware the incision is closed with stitches and the same could be replaced after the injury has healed. In some cases the hardware installation is made permanent.

There are several risks and complications involved in open reduction internal fixation procedure which may include bacterial colonization of the bone, infection, stiffness and loss of range of motion, non-union, mal-union, damage to the muscles, nerve damage and palsy, arthritis, tendonitis, chronic pain associated with plates, screws, and pins, compartment syndrome, deformity, audible popping and snapping, and possible future surgeries to remove the hardware.

The complications of ORIF could involve infection, swelling and the problem in proper movement of the installed hardware. Since the growth of bones is a very slow process hence the recovery may take several months. The period of recovery at times also depends upon the degree of severity, location of the fracture, type of bone and the age of the patient.

The recovery in the cases of bone fracture undergone with open reduction internal fixation is quite painful and doctors mostly concentrate on proper pain management of the patient. Several researches have shown or proven that use of ibuprofen and other non steroid anti inflammatory drugs (NSAID) slow down the rate of healing. Thus it makes it very essential that only the prescribed drugs should be given to the patient for the effective pain relief and proper healing.

Once the surgery followed by the medication is exercised and the patient is relieved to an extent, the next phase carried out the rehabilitation process is physiotherapy. Giving physical therapy is an important aspect of recovery and rehabilitation.

The part of the body that undergoes the surgery is held immobilized for several months that might weakens the muscles, ligaments and tendons. To rehabilitate the muscles the physiotherapy assists in restoring the strength, movement of the injured area. This is also very helpful in pain removal. This therapy involves exercises, nerve stimulation, hot and cold packs and several other combinations.

Source: http://www.mewarhospitals.com/orif-fixation/