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. ‚
Surgery may be needed to put bones back in the right place. The doctor may need to use metal plates, rods, pins, nails, or screws to hold the bone in place while it heals. This is called open reduction internal fixation surgery. ‚
View OriginalView Original
What will the results be?
Your broken bone is put back in the right place. It should heal properly. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
- Your doctor will take your history. Talk to your 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.
- If you need to stop eating or drinking before your procedure.
- Your doctor will do an exam and may order:
- Lab tests
- X-rays
- Tetanus shot
- 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.
- Sometimes, the doctor will give you a special drug to make you numb for the surgery. Other times, you are fully asleep.
- The surgery is done in two parts:
- Your doctor will make small cuts on the skin over your broken bone. Your doctor will use special tools to move or cut some bones back to their proper place. This is called reduction.
- The doctor fixes the break. Special screws, plates, wires, or rods may be used to hold your bones together. This is called internal fixation.
- Your doctor will close your cut with stitches or staples and cover it with clean bandages. Next, 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 confirm if the bones are in the right position.
- The length of the procedure will depend on the type and location of the fracture.
What happens after the procedure?
- You will go to the Recovery Room for a few hours. The staff will watch you closely. Your doctor may give you drugs for pain.
- Within a day or two, you will get out of bed to a chair. The staff will help you begin to walk around. Doing coughing and deep breathing exercises will help to keep your lungs clear.
- You will be shown exercises to help you regain muscle strength and range of motion.
- You will stay in the hospital for 1 to 7 days. This is based on the type of fracture and where the fracture is in the body.
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
- Bleeding
- Nerve damage
- Blood clots
- Swelling, this may cause your cast to become too tight
- Bone does not heal the right way
- Plates and screws cause pain or become loose
- More surgery is needed
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons ‚
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00196 ‚
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. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚