Often asked: What Is Orif In Orthopedics?

Is Orif major surgery?

“Open reduction” means a surgeon makes an incision to re-align the bone. “Internal fixation” means the bones are held together with hardware like metal pins, plates, rods, or screws. After the bone heals, this hardware isn’t removed. Generally, ORIF is an urgent surgery.

How is Orif done?

An open reduction and internal fixation ( ORIF ) puts pieces of a broken bone into place using surgery. Screws, plates, sutures, or rods are used to hold the broken bone together.

What metal is used in ORIF surgery?

The implants used for internal fixation are made from stainless steel and titanium, which are durable and strong. If a joint is to be replaced, rather than fixed, these implants can also be made of cobalt and chrome. Implants are compatible with the body and rarely cause an allergic reaction.

Why is Orif done?

Open reduction and internal fixation ( ORIF ) is done to fix a broken bone. It puts the pieces of a broken bone back together so they can heal. Open reduction means the bones are put back in place during surgery. Internal fixation means that special hardware is used to hold the bone pieces together.

How do you sleep after ORIF surgery?

Invest in a specialized pillow, like a body pillow, for elevation—keeping the broken bone above your heart prevents blood from pooling and causing swelling. Try sleeping on your back first while propped up on a few pillows. If that doesn’t work, slowly adjust yourself to a side position if possible.

How soon can you walk after ORIF surgery?

No walking on the foot is permitted until 6 weeks after surgery. You will then be allowed to walk in a walking boot.

How long does pain last after ORIF?

Your Recovery You can expect some pain and swelling around the cut (incision) the doctor made. This should get better within a few days after your surgery. But it is normal to have some pain for 2 to 3 weeks after surgery and mild pain for up to 6 weeks after surgery.

Do metal plates and screws need to be removed?

Patients who continue to suffer inconvenience and discomfort after a healed bone fracture may be better off having any plates, pins and screws removed. After a bone fracture has mended, metal implants such as pins, plates and screws (usually made from surgical steel or titanium) are in fact no longer useful.

When should Orif plates be removed?

Ideally, plate removal should be performed three months after surgery, when the bone is already consolidated.

Do screws weaken bones?

Residual screw holes are a considerably more important cause of bone weakness after plate removal than is cortical atrophy.

What is the difference between Orif and CRIF?

Although ORIF has advantages of direct look and restoration of normal function, its application still limited by the potential negative effects of nerve damage, swelling, incomplete healing of the bone, increased pressure and blood clot. CRIF has advantages of avoiding injury to the medial circumflex femoral artery.

Can bone screws break?

If the bone stabilized by the hardware doesn’t heal, hardware may break due to the stresses on the implants. The effect is similar to that of repetitively bending a paper clip back and forth. The presence of a broken implant is not necessarily a disaster.

What is the hardest bone to heal?

The femur — your thigh bone — is the largest and strongest bone in your body. When the femur breaks, it takes a long time to heal. Breaking your femur can make everyday tasks much more difficult because it’s one of the main bones used to walk.

How much does ORIF surgery cost?

On MDsave, the cost of an ORIF Elbow Fracture ranges from $6,955 to $11,250.

Do Broken Bones ever fully heal?

Most broken bones are treated with a cast, splint, or brace. This keeps the broken bone from moving while it heals. Even broken bones that don’t line up (called displaced) often will heal straight over time. Sometimes the displaced bones need to be put back in place before the cast, splint, or brace is put on.