Treatment: Open Reduction With Fixation

An open reduction and internal fixation is a type of surgical procedure used to fix broken bones.

Bookings: bookings.orthopaedics@onewelbeck.com

Tel: 020 3653 2002

Why you might need?

An open reduction and internal fixation is a type of surgical procedure used to fix broken bones. It is mainly used on serious fractures that are not treatable with a cast/splint. Often these are injuries that involve the joint or where the fracture is unstable. Open reduction means making an incision to align the bone properly, and internal fixation means holding the bones together with hardware such as rods or screws. The hardware will then stay after the bone heals.

Treatment Info

Firstly, there is a broken bone is reduced (e.g. by shaving it down), or re-structured back into proper place. After this the bone needs to be held in place by a screw, plate, rod or pin. The procedure can take several hours depending on the fracture. You will be placed under anaesthetic so that you won’t feel any pain.

After the bone is in proper position, the surgeon will close the incisions with stitches and use a bandage for the wound. Depending on the location of the fracture, the limb may be put into a cast.


Treatment Risks

Possible complications include:

  • Infection
  • Bleeding
  • Nerve damage
  • Blood clots
  • Healing of the fractured bone in an abnormal alignment
  • Irritation of the overlying tissue from the hardware
  • Anaesthesia complications

Treatment Recovery

Full recovery can take up to 12 months, with improvement signs shown after 3 months.

Recovery will depend on your specific situation. Factors such as severity and physical location of the fracture will influence how long it will take you to recover. Initially you will have to rest for your bones to recover, but once a certain level of mobility is achieved again your doctor will likely prescribe physiotherapy.

To ensure the quickest recovery, you can:

  • Take pain medication
  • Keep your incision areas clean
  • Apply ice and sleep with your leg lifted
  • Stay immobile for a prolonged period
  • Undergo regular physiotherapy

Treatment Programme
Open Reduction With Fixation

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Health Insurance

This service or treatment is generally covered by most health insurance policies. You are responsible for checking your insurance policy cover, and you may need a referral letter. Check which insurance companies are covered.

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Self-Pay Available

This treatment is available for self-paying users. If you would like to see more information on pricing visit our pricing and payments page.

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Consultation Required

For this treatment you will need to have a 1-to-1 consultation at OneWelbeck first. To book in with our team of expert clinicians or to find out more about the process contact the relevant centre team.

Open Reduction With Fixation Specialists

We boast a truly integrated team of orthopaedic surgeons, sports medicine physicians, podiatric surgeons, rheumatology specialists, paid medicine consultants and hand therapy specialists. All of these services work together in one place, enabling us to give patients the best care possible.