What does open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) of a bone fracture mean?
ORIF refers to a repair of a fracture in which surgery is performed and the skin and muscle tissue are open to gain access to the fracture site. Reduction is the putting together of the bone fragments after they have become displaced. Once the bone fractures are reduced to their proper location they are held in place with some fixation device such as plates and screws. Often large bones like the femur are fixed with the insertion of a rod through the center of the bone to hold the pieces in place. The rod is then screwed to the bone at one or both ends. Fractures requiring open reduction are common in falls, motorcycle accidents, and car wrecks.
