ORIF

Open reduction and internal fixation of a fracture at the ankle.

Fixing a bone fracture with internal 'hardware'

Open reduction and internal fixation refers to broken bones (fractures) where the surgeon cuts into the joint surgically to align the broken bones and then uses metal surgical plates or other means (loosely referred to as 'hardware') to hold the bones in a better position so that they can heal properly.

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Are ORIF plates and screws ever removed?

Once the fracture has healed and the bone is stable, patients often elect to have the 'hardware' removed. This may include wires as well as plates and screws. Removal is usually managed without problems, unless a lot of time has passed, when removal may prove problematic.

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Quick links

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Forum discussions

• "Metal removal after tibia Plateau fracture 2 years ago"

  Comparing notes after tibial plateau fracture with ORIF.

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Peer-reviewed papers

• Quote:

  [ORIF devices for distal femur fractures include] "angle blade plate, dynamic condylar screw, less invasive stabilisation system (LISS), intramedullary nails, and distal femoral locking plate (DFLP)....The aim is to achieve and maintain a good reduction of the joint to allow early active mobilisation, thus minimising the joint stiffness and severe muscular atrophy encountered in the conservative treatment."

  Citation: Amin TK, Patel I, Patel MJ, Kazi MM, Kachhad K, Modi DR. Evaluation of Results of Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF) of Fracture of Distal End of Femur with Intra-Articular Extension. Malays Orthop J. 2021 Nov;15(3):78-83. doi: 10.5704/MOJ.2111.012. PMID: 34966499; PMCID: PMC8667249.

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