Fracture Surgery

Fracture surgery, also known as Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF), is a surgical procedure used to treat broken bones that cannot heal properly on their own or are severely displaced. Fractures can occur due to trauma, sports injuries, falls, or accidents, and while many fractures heal with casting or splinting, some require surgical intervention to ensure proper alignment and healing. Fracture surgery helps restore the bone’s original structure, stability, and function, allowing the patient to return to normal activities.

When is Fracture Surgery Necessary?

Fracture surgery may be required in the following situations:

• Severe Displacement: When the broken bone fragments are significantly misaligned, surgery is needed to reposition and stabilize the bone.
• Open Fracture: In cases where the bone pierces through the skin (compound fracture), surgery is necessary to clean the wound and stabilize the bone to prevent infection.
• Complex Fractures: Fractures that involve multiple breaks, joint surfaces, or shattered bone pieces require surgical repair to restore proper function.
• Non-Union or Mal-Union: If a fracture does not heal (non-union) or heals in an incorrect position (mal-union), surgery may be required to correct the alignment and promote healing.
• Joint Involvement: Fractures that extend into a joint, such as the hip, knee, or ankle, often need surgery to ensure proper joint alignment and prevent long-term complications like arthritis.
• Fracture in Fragile Bones: In patients with osteoporosis or other conditions that weaken bones, fractures may require surgery to stabilize the bone and prevent further damage.

Types of Fracture Surgery

• Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF): In this procedure, the surgeon repositions the fractured bone fragments and uses metal plates, screws, or rods to hold the bones in place as they heal. This is one of the most common surgical treatments for fractures.
• External Fixation: In some cases, a frame is applied outside the body to stabilize the fracture using pins or screws that are inserted into the bone through the skin. This method is often used for severe open fractures or when the bone needs additional support to heal.
• Intramedullary Nailing: A metal rod is inserted into the hollow cavity of the bone (the medullary canal) to stabilize long bone fractures, such as those in the thigh (femur) or shin (tibia).
• Bone Grafting: In cases where the bone is severely damaged or missing, a bone graft may be used to support healing. The graft can be taken from the patient’s own body (autograft) or from a donor (allograft).

The Fracture Surgery Procedure

Fracture surgery typically involves the following steps:

• Preoperative Evaluation: The surgeon assesses the severity of the fracture using imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs. Based on the findings, the best surgical approach is determined.
• Surgical Procedure: During the surgery, the surgeon makes an incision to access the broken bone, repositions the fragments, and secures them with metal hardware (plates, screws, or rods) to ensure proper alignment.
• Postoperative Care: After surgery, a tailored rehabilitation plan is essential to promote healing and restore strength and mobility to the affected area.

Recovery After Fracture Surgery

Recovery from fracture surgery varies depending on the location and severity of the fracture, as well as the patient’s overall health. The recovery process includes:

• Hospital Stay: Depending on the complexity of the surgery, patients may stay in the hospital for a few days to monitor healing and manage pain.
• Physical Therapy: Rehabilitation begins soon after surgery, focusing on restoring strength, range of motion, and function to the injured area. Physical therapy is crucial for a successful recovery.
• Bone Healing: Full bone healing may take several weeks to months, depending on the type of fracture and the patient’s age and health. Follow-up X-rays are often required to ensure proper healing.
• Return to Activities: Most patients are able to resume normal activities within a few months, although high-impact activities or sports may need to be avoided for a longer period.

Benefits of Fracture Surgery

• Restores Proper Alignment: Surgery ensures that the bone is properly aligned, which is essential for normal function and preventing long-term complications.
• Stabilizes the Bone: Internal fixation with plates, screws, or rods provides stability to the fractured bone, allowing it to heal properly.
• Speeds Up Recovery: Surgical intervention often allows for earlier mobilization and faster return to daily activities compared to conservative treatments like casting alone.
• Prevents Complications: By surgically stabilizing the fracture, surgery reduces the risk of mal-union, non-union, and joint damage, improving long-term outcomes.

Risks and Complications

As with any surgical procedure, fracture surgery carries some potential risks, including:

• Infection at the surgical site
• Blood clots
• Nerve or blood vessel damage
• Implant loosening or failure
• Delayed healing or non-union

With proper surgical techniques and postoperative care, the chances of complications are minimized, and most patients experience successful outcomes.

Why Choose Us for Fracture Surgery?

• Expert Surgeons: Our experienced orthopedic surgeons specialize in fracture repair, using the latest techniques to ensure optimal results and a swift recovery.
• Comprehensive Care: From diagnosis to rehabilitation, we offer a full range of services tailored to each patient’s needs, ensuring a smooth recovery process.
• Advanced Technology: We utilize the most advanced surgical tools and techniques to achieve precise results and promote faster healing.
• Patient-Focused Approach: We prioritize personalized care, creating individualized treatment plans to address each patient’s specific fracture and recovery goals.