✦ 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?

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

ORIF (Open Reduction & Internal Fixation) Cost in Hyderabad

The cost of ORIF (Open Reduction & Internal Fixation) in Hyderabad generally ranges from ₹80,000 to ₹2,00,000, with an average cost of around ₹1,40,000. The final expense may vary depending on the type and location of the fracture, degree of displacement, fixation method, implant requirements, investigations, hospitalisation and rehabilitation needs.

Procedure	Approximate Cost Range
Displaced fractures, plating	₹80,000 ₹2,00,000

The final cost may vary based on the bone involved, fracture complexity and displacement, type and number of plates or screws required, surgical approach, anaesthesia, hospital stay and post-operative rehabilitation.

Factors Affecting ORIF Cost

The overall cost of open reduction and internal fixation depends on the complexity of the fracture, the fixation system required and the level of surgical and post-operative care involved.

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Type, location and severity of the fracture, including the degree of displacement and fragmentation
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Whether the fracture is simple, comminuted, unstable or associated with surrounding soft-tissue injuries
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Type, size and number of plates, screws, wires or other fixation implants required for stable fracture fixation
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Pre-operative X-rays, CT scans, blood tests and other investigations required for surgical planning
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Surgeon, anaesthesia, operating-room and specialised surgical equipment charges
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Hospitalisation, medications, wound care and post-operative monitoring requirements
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Management of associated injuries or additional fractures requiring treatment during the same admission
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Physiotherapy, immobilisation and rehabilitation requirements following fracture fixation
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Follow-up consultations, repeat imaging and any additional procedure required during recovery

Insurance Coverage for ORIF

ORIF performed for a medically necessary fracture may be covered under health insurance, subject to the policy terms, network hospital provisions, approved package and applicable exclusions or deductibles. Patients should confirm coverage and pre-authorisation requirements with their insurer before treatment.

Checking your policy coverage
Cashless approval process
Required documentation
Insurance-related queries before the procedure

Dr. Sai Kishan

Orthopaedic & Joint Replacement Surgeon

Consultation with Dr. Sai Kishan Sirasala, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad, is recommended for patients with displaced or unstable fractures that may require surgical fixation. The doctor can evaluate the fracture pattern and imaging findings to determine whether ORIF is an appropriate treatment option. During the consultation, the doctor may assess: Location, pattern and severity of the fracture and the extent of bone displacement X-rays, CT scans or other imaging findings used to plan fracture fixation Bone alignment, stability and the condition of surrounding soft tissues Whether plates, screws or another fixation method is most appropriate for the fracture Presence of associated injuries or additional fractures that may affect treatment Expected recovery, immobilisation, weight-bearing restrictions and rehabilitation requirements

Consultation with Dr. Sai Kishan Sirasala Consultation with Dr. Sai Kishan Sirasala

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

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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