What is the full form of ORIF?

What is ORIF?

ORIF stands for Open Reduction and Internal Fixation. It is a surgery which is conducted if a bone is severely damaged and cannot be repaired by plaster. In this type of surgery, Open Reductions refers to the realignment of the bone while Internal Fixation refers to the usage of materials that are used to realign the bone. ORIF is a surgery which consists of two steps. In the first step, the bone is realigned and repositioned. This step is known as fracture reduction. In the second step, different components like screws, plates rods, etc. are used to fix the bone. These components are either placed on the surface of the bone or inside.

Why ORIF is Needed?

ORIF is needed in the case of severe fractures in the arms and legs. The parts of the arms and legs where ORIF is needed are −

• Ankle

• Shoulder

• Elbow

• Wrist

• Knee

• Hip

ORIF is suggested by an orthopedic surgeon in the following cases −

• Bone cannot be healed by using a cast or splint

• Bone has broken into multiple pieces

• The alignment of the bone is changed

• Bone came out of the skin

• Dislocation of the bone

• Dissociation of the joints

• No effect of closed reduction

Processes Before the Surgery

If it is confirmed that the patient has to go for the ORIF surgery, the following actions are taken before the surgery −

• Physical examination

• X-ray

• Blood test

• MRI Scan

• CT Scan

Components Used in Aligning the Bone

The components that are used to align the bone are as follows −

Screws

The most common component used in ORIF surgery is the screws. Differ net types of screws are used and their usage depends upon the complexity of the fracture. The size of the bone and the location where the screws are to be placed are also considered. Screws may be left inside or removed after the recovery is complete.

Plates

Plates act as internal splints and their job is to hold the bone in place with the help of screws. Plates can be removed or can be kept inside.

Rods or Nails

If a long bone is fractured, a rod or a nail is inserted through the center of the bone so that it can be laid in place. Screws are used at the end of each rod which makes shifting and rotating of the bones easy. When a shin or a thigh bone is fractured and damaged, doctors use this treatment. The rods or nails may be removed or left after the recovery is completed.

Pins and Wires

Pins and wires are used if a bone is broken into small pieces. Doctors used these tools so that the bone could be put back together. Pins and wires can also be used for the fixation of small bones.

External Fixators

Doctors may use external fixators to fix the broken bones and hold them together. This tool is used when the fracture has damaged the muscle tissues and skin. Small incisions are used to place the screws or metal pins which are attached to a bar which is placed outside the skin. It is a treatment which can be used temporarily.

Recovery time after ORIF

It takes around 3 to 12 months for a patient to recover after going for an ORIF surgery. As the surgery is different for different people, they will recover on the basis of severity of the fracture, type, location, etc. If any complication occurs after surgery, recovery may take more time. You may have to go for occupational or physical therapy after the healing of the bones starts.

Occupational therapy is provided by an occupational therapist who will tell you about different types of moves. Here are the things which a patient can do for fast recovery.

Pain medication

A patient may have to take prescription pain medication, over-the-counter medication, or both. He needs to consult the prescription provided by the doctor and take the medicines accordingly.

Cleanliness of the incision

The patient has to check and maintain the cleanliness of the incision. It should always be covered and should regularly be washed with water. The patient should also consult with the doctor about the procedure of changing the bandage.

Limb lifting

The doctor may advise about applying ice on the skin so that swelling can be healed. You may also be suggested to lift the limbs to decrease swelling.

Pressure

The patient is not allowed to apply pressure on the limb in which the fracture has occurred. It is better to use a wheelchair or crutches as per the directions of a doctor.

Side Effects of ORIF

A patient who has gone through the ORIF surgery may have to face the following side effects −

• Bacterial infection in the incision

• Blood clot

• Bleeding

• Damage to one or more tendons and ligaments

• Damage to nerve or blood vessel

• Allergy to anesthesia

• Bone healing may be abnormal or incomplete

• Movement is lost or reduced

There are many more side effects of ORIF which patients have to bear so that the bone recovers easily.

Advantages of ORIF

ORIF has many advantages and some of them are listed below −

• The success rate of ORIF is high

• After recovering completely from ORIF, a patient may perform his normal activities

• Plaster is not needed in this case

• Best alternative for plaster treatment

Disadvantages of ORIF

ORIF has a few disadvantages which are mentioned below −

• Infections swelling, and lowering of mobility can occur

• Because of the slow growth of bones, recovery is slow

• Recovery can be slow due to the severity of the fracture

Conclusion

ORIF stands for Open Reduction and Internal Fixation. It is a surgery which is done when the fracture is very severe. Different tools are used to put the bones in place. These tools are screws, wires, pins, plates, etc. These tools may be removed after the full recovery.

FAQs

FAQ 1: Why ORIF is needed?

Ans − ORIF is needed when the bone is severely fractured and cannot be healed by cast or splint.

FAQ 2: Does recovery after ORIF take time?

Ans − Yes! It may take about 3 to 12 months or even more to recover after the surgery. The time is delayed because of the severity of the bone damage.

FAQ 3: Are there any side effects of ORIF?

Ans − Yes! ORIF has many side effects like bleeding, infection, blood clots, etc.

FAQ 4: What is the full form of ORIF?

Ans − ORIF stands for Open Reduction and Internal Fixation

FAQ 5: For which bones, ORIF is needed?

Ans − ORIF is needed for the bones of the ankles, wrist, thigh, elbow, hip, and shoulder.