Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF)

Open Reduction
and Internal
Fixation (ORIF)
Definition
Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) is surgery

to repair a broken bone. Open reduction means the
doctor makes an incision (cut) to reach the bones and
move them back into their normal position. Internal
fixation means metal screws, plates, sutures, or rods are
placed on the bone to keep it in place while it heals. The
internal fixation will not be removed.
Reasons for Procedure
This surgery is done to repair fractures that would not heal

correctly with casting or splinting alone.
Why do need it
This surgery is done on an arm or a leg to repair fractures that would

not heal properly with a cast or splint alone. Your surgeon may recommend
ORIF if:
•The bone is broken into many pieces
•The bone is sticking out of the skin
•The bone is not lined up correctly
•A closed reduction (without opening the skin) was done before and it didn’t
heal properly
•A joint is dislocated
This surgery should allow your bone to heal properly.

When it does, you will have less pain and be better able to
move and use your arm or leg.
Reasons for Procedure
This surgery is done to repair fractures that would

not heal correctly with casting or splinting alone.
Possible Complications
Problems from the procedure are rare, but all procedures have
some risk. Problems may include:
Infection
Bleeding
Reaction to anesthesia
Blood clots
Before the procedure, talk to your doctor about ways to manage

factors that may increase your risk of complications such as:
Smoking
Drinking
Chronic disease such as diabetes or obesity
Your risk of complications may be increased if you have a history

of blood clots.
What to Expect
Prior to Procedure
•Since broken bones are usually caused by trauma or an
accident, an ORIF surgery is typically an emergency procedure.
Before your surgery, you may have:
• Physical exam—to check your blood circulation and
nerves affected by the broken bone
• X-ray , CT scan , or MRI scan to evaluate the broken bone
and surrounding structures
• Blood tests
• Tetanus shot depending on the type of fracture and if your
immunization is not current
•An anesthesiologist will talk to you about anesthesia for your
surgery.
•If your surgery is urgent, you may not have time to fast
beforehand; make sure to tell your doctor and the
anesthesiologist when you last ate and drank.
•If your surgery is scheduled, you may be asked to stop taking
certain medications up to a week in advance.
Anesthesia
General anesthesia may be used. It will block any

pain and keep you asleep during the surgery. In
some cases, a spinal anesthetic, or more rarely a
local block, may be used to numb only the area
where the surgery will be done. This will depend on
where the fracture is located and the time it will take
to perform the procedure.
Description of Procedure
Each ORIF surgery differs based on the location and

type of fracture. In general, a breathing tube may be
placed to help you breathe while you are asleep.
Then, the surgeon will wash your skin with an
antiseptic and make an incision. Next, the broken
bone will be put back into place. Next, a plate with
screws, a pin, or a rod that goes through the bone
will be attached to the bone to hold the broken parts
together. The incision will be closed with staples or
stitches. A dressing and/or cast will then be applied.
Immediately After Procedure
After your surgery, you will be taken to the recovery

room for observation. Your blood pressure and
breathing will be monitored. Your pulse and the
nerves close to the broken bone will also be
checked.
How Long Will It Take
An ORIF surgery can take several hours depending

on the fracture and the bone involved.
How Much Will It Hurt
Anesthesia prevents pain during surgery. Pain and

discomfort after the surgery can be managed with
medications
Average Hospital Stay
This procedure is done in a hospital setting. Your

length of stay will depend on your surgery. You may
be in the hospital for 1-7 days
Post-procedure Care At the Hospital
• After surgery, you will be given nutrition through an IV until you

are able to eat and drink.
• You will be asked to get out of bed and walk 2-3 times a day to
prevent complications.
• You will begin physical therapy to learn how to move. You will
also be shown exercises to regain muscle strength and range of
motion.
• You will learn how to properly use any assisted devices, such as
a a wheelchair or crutches.
• You will be asked to cough and breathe deeply to prevent lung
problems.
Your affected limb will be elevated above your heart to decrease
swelling.
During stay, the hospital staff will take steps to
reduce chance of infection such as:
• Washing their hands

• Wearing gloves or masks
• Keeping your incisions covered
There are also steps you can take to reduce

your chances of infection such as:
• Washing your hands often and reminding
visitors and healthcare providers to do the
same
• Reminding your healthcare providers to wear
gloves or masks
• Not allowing others to touch your incisions
Thank You

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Open Reduction

Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) is surgery

This surgery is done to repair fractures that would not heal

This surgery is done on an arm or a leg to repair fractures that would

This surgery should allow your bone to heal properly.

This surgery is done to repair fractures that would

Before the procedure, talk to your doctor about ways to manage

Your risk of complications may be increased if you have a history

General anesthesia may be used. It will block any

Each ORIF surgery differs based on the location and

After your surgery, you will be taken to the recovery

An ORIF surgery can take several hours depending

Anesthesia prevents pain during surgery. Pain and

This procedure is done in a hospital setting. Your

• After surgery, you will be given nutrition through an IV until you

• Washing their hands

There are also steps you can take to reduce

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