What is Open Reduction and Internal Fixation?
When someone has suffered a femur fracture, they might be told they need open reduction and internal fixation to stabilize their fracture. Often shortened to ORIF, this is the name of the surgical procedure that is required to heal a broken bone, such as a thighbone, that has been displaced from its typical anatomic location. The femur is one of the largest bones in the body. As a result, tremendous trauma is often required to cause a fracture. Think about an auto accident, a motorcycle collision, a pathologic fracture, or a fall from a great height. When the leg is exposed to these types of forces, severe breaks can result. In some cases, surgery might be needed to put the bone fragments back together. This is where open reduction and internal fixation are required.
Risk Factors for Severe Fractures
There are certain medical comorbidities or conditions that might make a displaced femur fracture more likely. For example, a fracture requiring ORIF is more common in elderly individuals. As people age, their bones are not going to be a strong as they once were. This means that even small forces can lead to a serious fracture that might require surgical correction.
In addition, certain types of cancer can make a fracture requiring ORIF more likely. If someone has cancer, this disease might grow within the bone tissue itself. This can weaken the bone structure, making it more likely that someone might suffer a pathologic fracture.
Finally, the type of trauma itself might also make it more likely that a femur fracture requires open reduction and internal fixation to repair. A few examples include auto accidents, motorcycle collisions, gunshot wounds, and slip and fall injuries.
The Risks of Open Reduction and Internal Fixation
Like all surgical procedures, someone who is told their femur fracture will require open reduction and internal fixation should be aware of a few risks. Without a doubt, the most common risk is bleeding. Nearly all surgical procedures are going to have some degree of blood loss. Fortunately, there are plenty of measures that surgeons take to minimize this risk.
Another important risk is infection. When the skin is opened to repair a bone fracture, there is a risk that bacteria or viruses might enter the body. To minimize this risk, surgical procedures are performed in a sterile field.
Finally, some of the less common risks include blood clots, nerve damage, and malunion. ORIF is performed to reduce the risk of malunion. Orthopedic surgeons will make sure the fragments are lined up as correctly as possible prior to closing.
The Recovery Following Femur Fracture Surgery
Once the procedure has been completed, individuals might spend a few days recovering in the hospital. It is important to note that the fractures are not completely healed after an open reduction, and internal fixation is performed. The leg will be placed in a cast for several weeks to allow the bones to heal.
After this, individuals might also require physical therapy to strengthen their leg and thigh muscles. In general, most people do very well following this surgical procedure. This operation has given hope to countless people who suffer a fracture of the femur every year.
Femur Fracture Lawyers in Sacramento
I’m Ed Smith, a Femur Fracture Lawyer in Sacramento. An open reduction and internal fixation is a common surgical procedure used to repair a serious femur fracture. Anyone who has required surgery for a broken femur due to the negligence of another person or entity can reach me using (800) 404-5400 & (916) 921-6400 and receive free, friendly legal guidance & advice.
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