Why is this procedure done?
Bones help us move. They also support us and protect our internal organs. A fracture is a break in a bone. Breaks are often caused by a fall or hard blow. They may be caused by a car crash or other trauma. Some diseases can cause bones to break. Cancer and osteoporosis are two diseases that often cause problems with bones. ‚
Open fracture reduction is a used to put bones back in the right place by making a cut through the skin during surgery. ‚
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What will the results be?
Your broken bone is put back in the right place. It should heal properly and more quickly. You will have less risk for infections, deformity, and scarring. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
- Your doctor will take your history. Talk to the doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are Coumadin ‚ ®, ibuprofen, Aleve ‚ ® (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about them.
- When you need to stop eating or drinking before your procedure.
- Your doctor will do an exam and may order:
- You will not be allowed to drive right away after the procedure. Ask a family member or a friend to drive you home.
What happens during the procedure?
- Before the procedure, the staff will put an I.V. in your arm to give you fluids and drugs. You will be given a drug to make you sleepy. It will also help you stay pain free during the surgery.
- Your doctor will make small cuts on the skin over your broken bone. The doctor will use a special tool to move the bones back to their proper place. Special screws, plates, or rods may be used to hold your bones together.
- Your doctor will close your cut with stitches or staples and cover it with clean bandages.
- When the bones are in the right place, your doctor will put a splint or cast on. This will help to protect the area and control movement. This will let your bones heal and keep them in place.
- An x-ray may be taken again to make sure the bones are in the right place.
- The length of the procedure will depend on the type and location of the fracture.
What happens after the procedure?
You may go home soon after your procedure. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
- Prevent infection
- Prevent blood clots
What problems could happen?
- Infection
- Swelling
- Nerve damage
- Blood clots
- Scarring
- Change in normal movement
- Bone may not heal properly
- Weakness
- Ongoing pain
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons ‚
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00139 ‚
KidsHealth ‚
http://kidshealth.org/parent/general/aches/b_bone.html ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚