Elbow Open Reduction Internal Fixation

Open reduction internal fixation is an open surgery used to stabilize and heal a displaced broken bone, such as that of the humerus, ulna, or radius that make up the elbow joint.

 

Overview of procedure

• The patient will be put under general anesthesia 

• An incision is made over the broken bone to be repaired to surgically expose the broken bone

• The bone fragments (pieces of broken bone) are repositioned back into their normal alignment

• The bone fragments are then held in place in their normal alignment with screws, wires, pins, or metal plates attached to the bone.

• Most patients will go home the same day as this is usually an outpatient procedure.

 

Pre-treatment considerations

Open reduction internal fixation of the elbow is usually required when:

• The fracture is a displaced fracture, meaning the pieces of broken bone have moved out of place of their normal alignment

• The fracture is an open fracture, meaning pieces of broken bone have punctured the skin exposing it to the outside environment

• The fracture is broken into several pieces.

 

Post-treatment considerations and recovery

• Most patients can go home the same day

• The elbow will be splinted and placed in a sling to keep it immobile

• The patient will be given pain medication for pain management

• Light physical therapy will be begun in the first week post-surgery to begin to restore range of motion

• Physical therapy will increase in intensity and will be continued until full strength and range of motion are restored

• No lifting any heavy objects for 6 weeks as well as no pushing or pulling activities

• 4 months to return to normal everyday activities

• Full recovery can take up to one year

 

Pros and benefits

• Normal alignment of the bone is restored

 

Cons, risks, and possible side effects

• Infection

• Hardware irritation

• Nerve and blood vessel damage

• Non-union, meaning that the fracture doesn’t completely heal

• Bleeding

• Joint stiffness

• Bone malalignment

• Broken screws or plates

• Complications from anesthesia

• Need for further surgery

• Arthritis later in life