What is Open Reduction Internal Fixation?
Open reduction internal fixation also known as ORIF surgeries are one of the most common surgeries we see at Oakville Physiotherapy, specifically at the hip. It is the most common method of fixating a fracture and allows for early mobility. ORIF surgeries are used with intra-articular fractures (fracture has occurred along the joint), fractures of more than one bone, fractures where blood supply is jeopardized and fractures with associated soft tissue injuries.
Why is ORIF Surgery so Popular?
Its advantages are that it provides a more accurate reduction/firm fixation, decreases the length of stay in hospital, permits early joint motion, has decreased risks of complications, reduces convalescent time and helps maintain the length of the bone. However, with any type of surgery there will always be disadvantages. In this case, ORIF surgeries create a surgical scar, have risks of infection, the fixating device may loosen, secondary surgery may be necessary in time to remove the fixation and bone strength takes longer to return.
What is used in an ORIF Surgery?
Every surgery is different and yours may have one or two or many of the types of methods stated below. Plates and screws are most common and are used for long bones such as your femur (thigh) typically involving 4-8 holes in the plates for an associated number of screws. If there is poor union of the bones and plate, a surgeon may use a bone graft instead of the plate. A bone graft may be found from a bone bank or another part of your body. Compression screw plates are the standard method of fixation for fractures of the neck of the femur, they are also known as dynamic hip screws (DHS). Other methods and tools your surgeon may use are transfixion screws, circumferential wires, bone grafts, autografts, allografts, xenografts and isografts.
Oakville Physiotherapy is the gold standard treatment for patients who have had open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) surgeries. We help maintain and grow your mobility, your function, range of motion, strength, balance and walking pattern. Physiotherapy is also essential for pre-hab individuals as it can allow you to build your strength before your surgery to create better post surgical outcomes.