What is elbow fracture open reduction and internal fixation?
Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) is a type of surgery used to stabilize and heal a broken bone. You might need this procedure to treat your broken elbow.
The elbow joint is a hinge type of joint composed of 3 bones. The humerus (the upper arm bone) forms the joint with 2 bones of the forearm: the radius and the ulna. The ulna forms the bony point of the elbow.
Different kinds of injury can damage any of the 3 bones that form the elbow joint. This is especially common when you fall on an outstretched hand. The bone may fracture into 2 or more pieces. In certain types of elbow fractures, your bone has broken, but its pieces still line up correctly. In other types of fractures (displaced fractures), the injury moves the bone fragments out of alignment.
If you fracture your elbow, you might need ORIF to bring your bones back into place and help them heal. During an open reduction, orthopedic surgeons reposition your bone pieces during surgery, so they are back in their proper alignment. In a closed reduction, a doctor physically moves the bones back into place without surgically exposing the bone.
Internal fixation refers to the method of physically reconnecting the bones. This might involve special screws, plates, wires, or nails that the surgeon places inside the bones to fix them in the correct place. This prevents the bones from healing abnormally. The entire operation usually takes place while you are asleep under general anesthesia.
What is elbow fracture open reduction and internal fixation?
Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) is a type of surgery used to stabilize and heal a broken bone. You might need this procedure to treat your broken elbow.
The elbow joint is a hinge type of joint composed of 3 bones. The humerus (the upper arm bone) forms the joint with 2 bones of the forearm: the radius and the ulna. The ulna forms the bony point of the elbow.
Different kinds of injury can damage any of the 3 bones that form the elbow joint. This is especially common when you fall on an outstretched hand. The bone may fracture into 2 or more pieces. In certain types of elbow fractures, your bone has broken, but its pieces still line up correctly. In other types of fractures (displaced fractures), the injury moves the bone fragments out of alignment.
If you fracture your elbow, you might need ORIF to bring your bones back into place and help them heal. During an open reduction, orthopedic surgeons reposition your bone pieces during surgery, so they are back in their proper alignment. In a closed reduction, a doctor physically moves the bones back into place without surgically exposing the bone.
Internal fixation refers to the method of physically reconnecting the bones. This might involve special screws, plates, wires, or nails that the surgeon places inside the bones to fix them in the correct place. This prevents the bones from healing abnormally. The entire operation usually takes place while you are asleep under general anesthesia.
