A broken bone is stabilized and healed using open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). This procedure may be required to treat your broken ankle. The ankle joint is made up of three bones. The tibia (shinbone), fibula (the smaller bone in your leg), and talus are the three (a bone in your foot).
A variety of injuries can cause damage to the lower tibia, lower fibula, or talus. Only one of these bones may break, or you may have a fracture in two or more of them. Your bone breaks in certain types of fractures, but the pieces still line up correctly. In other types of fractures, the injury can cause bone fragments to become misaligned.
Detailed description about ORIF Surgery
If you fracture your ankle, you may require ORIF to realign your bones and aid in their healing. During an open reduction, orthopedic surgeons reposition your bone pieces during surgery to restore proper alignment. In a closed reduction, the bones are physically moved back into place without exposing the bone surgically.
Internal fixation is a technique for physically reconnecting the bones. This could include special screws, plates, rods, wires, or nails that the surgeon inserts into the bones to keep them in place. This keeps the bones from healing improperly. The entire procedure is usually performed while you are unconscious and under general anesthesia.
Risks of ankle fracture open reduction and internal fixation?
ORIF works well for the majority of people who have an ankle fracture. However, some rare complications do occur on occasion. Complications could include:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Damage to the nerves
- Complications of the skin
- Clots in the blood
- Embolism of fat
- Misalignment of the bones
- Irritation of the underlying tissue caused by the hardware
There is also a chance that the fracture will not heal properly and that you will have to repeat the surgery.
Your risk of complications may differ depending on your age, the anatomy of your fracture, and any other medical conditions you have. People with low bone mass or diabetes, for example, may be more vulnerable to some complications. Smokers may also be at a higher risk. Inquire with your doctor about the risks that are most relevant to you.
What is ORIF surgery?
ORIF surgery is a two-step procedure that includes the following steps:
- Internal fixation
- Open reduction
An open reduction is a surgical procedure in which a surgeon makes an incision to access the affected bones and realign them. Internal fixation is the process by which a surgeon holds the bone in place while it heals. They accomplish this by employing plates, screws, snails, rods, wires and spins.
Depending on the circumstances, the surgeon will decide whether to leave the internal fixation devices in place permanently or to remove them once the bone heals.
Both steps of this surgery are performed under general anesthesia.
Assessment and diagnosis
Fractures in the arms and legs, as well as bones in the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, and ankle can be fixed with a surgical procedure known as open reduction internal fixation (ORIF). The timing of the procedure may depend on the type of fracture and the risk of complications. If the surgery is scheduled in advance, the patient may be required to fast and discontinue certain medications beforehand.
Prior to the surgery, the patient will undergo a physical examination, blood test, X-ray, CT scan, or MRI scan to assess the condition of the broken bone.
During the ORIF surgery, which can take several hours depending on the extent of the fracture, an anesthesiologist will administer general anesthesia to put the patient into a deep sleep and prevent them from feeling any pain. A breathing tube may also be inserted to aid with proper breathing.
The procedure itself involves two parts. The first part is open reduction, where the surgeon will make an incision in the skin and manipulate the bone back into its normal position. The second part is internal fixation, in which the surgeon will use metal rods, screws, plates, or pins to hold the bone together. The specific type of hardware used will depend on the location and severity of the fracture.
Preparation before surgery
ORIF surgery is typically performed as an emergency or urgent procedure. Because of the urgency, there is usually little to no preparation prior to surgery, which may occur upon admission to a hospital. A surgeon may sometimes advise waiting until the swelling has gone down before operating.
Before the procedure, a healthcare professional takes an X-ray of the area to ensure that the bones are properly visible. It also enables them to assess the breakage in order to plan for surgery.
A doctor will examine the patient and go over the details of the surgery with them. They will also go over any potential risks of the procedure and answer any questions the individual may have.
Orthopedic implant in ORIF Surgery
Orthopedic implants used in ORIF surgery are devices made of metal, ceramic, or plastic materials that are designed to support and stabilize broken bones during the healing process. The most common types of orthopedic implants used in ORIF surgery include screws, plates, rods, pins, and wires. These devices are surgically placed inside the body and remain in place permanently or until the bone has fully healed.
Screws are used to hold the fracture in place, while plates and rods are used to provide additional support and stability. Pins and wires are used to hold bone fragments together and help with alignment. Orthopedic implants are made from materials that are safe for the human body, and they are designed to be strong, durable, and resistant to corrosion. They are available in different sizes and shapes to accommodate different fracture patterns and patient needs.
Overall, orthopedic implants play a crucial role in ORIF surgery by providing the necessary support and stability for bones to heal correctly.
Recovery from ORIF Surgery
After having ORIF surgery, the time it takes for a full recovery can vary from 3 to 12 months depending on the fracture’s location and severity and whether there were any complications during the surgery.
There are several things that can help with a person’s recovery, such as participating in physical therapy to restore mobility, taking prescribed pain medication, elevating the affected limb above the heart for at least 48 hours, using regular ice packs to reduce swelling, keeping the dressing on for the recommended time and ensuring it stays clean, checking with a doctor before washing the area, and avoiding putting weight on the area while making use of any provided crutches, wheelchairs, or slings.
It’s important to inform doctors, including dentists, that the person has internal metal hardware to ensure they take the appropriate precautions, such as prescribing antibiotics, to prevent infections during other procedures.
Conclusion
Zealmax Ortho is a highly respected and established name in the Orthopedic Industry, renowned for its commitment to producing top-quality implants that provide superior patient outcomes. The company has built a strong reputation for itself over the years, thanks to its winning combination of high-quality implants, dedicated employees, efficient manufacturing processes, and a consistent effort to build long-term relationships with its distributors.
One of the key factors that set Zealmax Ortho apart from its competitors is its unwavering focus on producing implants of the highest quality.
