Fractures of the patella (kneecap), tibial (lower leg) plateau, and distal femur (thigh bone) are often repaired using Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF). The ORIF procedure involves surgically stabilizing the bone with hardware to keep them in place and allow them to heal.
ORIF treatment is used to fix broken legs and knees by properly aligning and supporting the fractured bones so they heal and restore function and stability to the knee. The procedure involves making an incision and realigning the bones. Metal plates, rods, and screws are used to hold the bone fragments in place so they can fuse back together. This hardware remains in the body permanently unless a complication arises, such as an infection or pain.
Complications from ORIF surgery are rare, and the procedure is usually successful in restoring function and stability to the knee. Patients can expect shorter hospital stays, faster recovery times, and more successful healing with ORIF surgery compared to traditional fracture treatments.