✦ Definitive Fracture Fixation

ORIF (Open Reduction & Internal Fixation)

Q: When is ORIF chosen over casting or a minimally invasive approach?

ORIF is chosen when closed reduction cannot achieve acceptable alignment, when the fracture is unstable and will lose position in a cast, when the joint surface must be restored precisely, or when early mobilisation is critical for functional recovery.

Q: Do the plates and screws need to be removed after the bone heals?

In most adults, hardware is left permanently unless it causes symptomatic problems such as prominence or pain. Elective removal is occasionally considered — particularly in younger patients or specific anatomical locations — after full confirmed healing.

Q: How long does bone healing take after ORIF?

Most fractures show early radiological callus by 6–8 weeks and solid union by 8–16 weeks, depending on the bone and its blood supply. Cortical remodelling and full mechanical strength continue for several months beyond initial radiological healing.

Q: What is the infection risk associated with ORIF?

Infection rates following ORIF are typically 1–3%, reduced by prophylactic antibiotics, sterile technique, careful soft tissue handling, and diligent post-operative wound care. Deep infection requires prompt investigation and may necessitate hardware removal.

A displaced or complex fracture is surgically exposed, precisely realigned under direct vision, and secured with plates and screws — ensuring accurate bone healing and enabling safe early mobilisation.

60–120 min PROCEDURE

1–3 Days HOSPITAL STAY

>90% SUCCESS RATE

8–16 Weeks FULL RECOVERY

What is ORIF (Open Reduction & Internal Fixation)?

Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF) is a surgical technique where the fracture site is directly exposed through a surgical incision to achieve precise anatomical reduction — open reduction — and the fragments are held in that position with metal hardware such as plates, screws, or a combination — internal fixation. Direct surgical access allows the surgeon to see and correct displacements that cannot be adequately addressed through the skin. Dr. Sai Kishan is AO Trauma Certified at the Advanced Level and applies internationally standardised ORIF principles across a broad range of fracture patterns and anatomical sites at Lux Hospitals.

Indicated for significantly displaced or unstable fractures, fractures involving joint surfaces (intra-articular), fractures where closed methods fail to achieve or maintain satisfactory alignment, open fractures requiring operative wound management, and injuries in locations where anatomic precision is essential to restore normal function.

How the Procedure Works

Pre-operative Fracture Planning

X-rays and CT define the fracture anatomy; plate position, screw trajectories, and reduction sequence are planned before the patient reaches the operating room.

Anaesthesia & Surgical Access

General or regional anaesthesia; an incision over the fracture site provides direct access with careful protection of surrounding nerves and vessels.

Direct Fracture Reduction

Reduction clamps and instruments allow precise manipulation of each fragment into the anatomically correct position under direct surgical vision.

Internal Fixation

Plates and screws are applied according to the pre-operative plan; intraoperative fluoroscopy confirms satisfactory hardware position and fracture alignment.

Wound Closure & Early Rehabilitation

The wound is closed in layers; physiotherapy and controlled weight-bearing begin according to the fracture pattern and fixation stability achieved.

Outcomes

60–120 minDURATION

1–3 DaysHOSPITAL STAY

>90%SUCCESS RATE

8–16 WeeksRETURN TO SPORT

Who Needs This Treatment?

→Achieves precise anatomical reduction of complex or displaced fracture patterns
→Rigid fixation permits earlier mobilisation and structured physiotherapy
→Minimises the risk of malunion — bones healing in a suboptimal position
→Critical for intra-articular fractures where restoring the joint surface is essential
→Applicable across a wide anatomical range from wrist to pelvis to ankle
→Internationally standardised AO principles applied to every fixation decision

ORIF is about getting the bone in the right position and holding it there securely — give bone the stability it needs with the correct technique, and the biology will do the rest. Precision up front means a better recovery for the patient.

— — Dr. Sai Kishan Sirasala, Knee and Hip Joint Replacement & Robotic Surgery

Common Questions

Frequently Asked

When is ORIF chosen over casting or a minimally invasive approach?+

Do the plates and screws need to be removed after the bone heals?+

How long does bone healing take after ORIF?+

What is the infection risk associated with ORIF?+

Not sure which treatment is right for you?

Book a consultation with Dr. Sai Kishan and get a personalised treatment plan.

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