✦ Fracture Fixation

ORIF — Open Reduction & Internal Fixation

Q: What is ORIF surgery?

ORIF is the surgical exposure, reduction, and internal fixation of a fracture using metal implants. It is used for displaced, unstable, or intra-articular fractures where conservative management cannot maintain acceptable alignment.

Q: What is ORIF surgery cost?

Cost depends on fracture location, implant type, and hospital. Most insurance plans cover it. Contact the clinic for a specific estimate.

Q: What are ORIF complications?

Infection, hardware prominence or failure, non-union, nerve injury, and stiffness are recognised complications. With experienced technique, serious complications are uncommon.

The fracture is surgically exposed, reduced to anatomical alignment, and held with internal implants — plates, screws, or nails — the gold standard for displaced, unstable, and intra-articular fractures.

60–120 min PROCEDURE

2–5 Days HOSPITAL STAY

>95% UNION RATE

Weeks–Months RETURN TO ACTIVITY

What is ORIF — Open Reduction & Internal Fixation?

Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF) is a surgical procedure in which a fracture is first exposed through a surgical incision (open), reduced (restored to its correct anatomical position), and then stabilised with internal metal implants — plates, screws, intramedullary nails, or wires — that hold the fragments rigidly while bone heals. ORIF is indicated for fractures that are displaced, unstable, intra-articular (involving the joint surface), or those which cannot be held in position with a cast or external splint. The goal of ORIF is anatomical alignment, stable fixation, and early mobilisation — reducing the risk of malunion, joint stiffness, and loss of function.

Suitable for displaced intra-articular fractures (where joint surface accuracy is essential), unstable fractures that cannot be maintained in position with conservative treatment, and fractures in specific locations (ankle, wrist, clavicle, femur) where ORIF consistently provides better outcomes than conservative management.

How the Procedure Works

Anaesthesia

General or regional anaesthesia is administered; the fracture site and surgical approach are planned pre-operatively.

Surgical Exposure

An incision is made over the fracture; careful tissue dissection exposes the fracture fragments while protecting blood supply.

Fracture Reduction

Fragments are manipulated into anatomical alignment using reduction clamps, hooks, and fluoroscopic guidance.

Internal Fixation

Lag screws, locking plates, or anatomical implants are applied to maintain the reduction rigidly while bone heals.

Closure & Mobilisation

Wound closed in layers; drains placed if needed; early physiotherapy-guided mobilisation begins within the limits of fixation stability.

Outcomes

60–120 minDURATION

2–5 DaysHOSPITAL STAY

>95%UNION RATE

EarlyMOBILISATION

Who Needs This Treatment?

→Anatomical reduction of fracture fragments — critical for intra-articular injuries
→Rigid internal fixation allows early, pain-guided mobilisation
→Eliminates the risk of malunion from loss of position in a cast
→Wide range of implants available — tailored to each fracture and bone
→Titanium plates are biocompatible and do not need routine removal
→Shorter total disability time compared to prolonged cast immobilisation

"ORIF allows us to restore the bone to its exact original anatomy and fix it securely enough that the patient can start moving the next day. For intra-articular fractures especially, that precision matters enormously for long-term joint function."

— Dr. Satish Reddy Gandavarapu, Senior Orthopaedic & Trauma Surgeon, Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad

Common Questions

Frequently Asked

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