Open reduction internal fixation (ORIF)

Sometimes a severe ankle fracture must be realigned, which is called reduction. The type of reduction depends on how severely the bone is broken or how far it has moved from normal positioning. An open reduction means that surgery is needed to realign the bones and move them back into normal position. Surgery Titanium screws, nails, or plates will be placed to allow the bones to heal together in proper alignment. A tibial bone graft may be taken from your knee area, to be used in conjunction with the screws, nails, or plates. In general, patients undergoing an ORIF are admitted to the hospital for one or two days following surgery. Pre- and Post-operative The answers to many of your pre- and post-operative questions are in the pre-operative handout that was given to you. Please take a moment and read through it. Your first post-operative appointment will be 10 14 days after surgery. At that time, the dressing and sutures will be removed; x-rays may be taken. A hard cast will be applied and you will be in a non-weight bearing status for 6 weeks. At the next post-operative appointment, X-rays will be obtained and you will be placed in a hard, weight bearing cast for 6 weeks. You will be given instructions on how to begin gradually placing more weight on the foot until you are fully weight bearing. At the third post-operative appointment, you will be placed in a removable walking boot. Physical therapy and custom orthotics will be ordered. In some cases, a bone growth stimulator will be ordered to help the fusion knit together. You will be given more information during the first or second post-operative appointment if the stimulator is appropriate. Be aware that swelling in your ankle and foot may take up to one year to subside. Dr. Coopers patients will be seen by the Nurse Practitioner for the first post-operative appointment and specific post-operative questions will be addressed at the second post-operative appointment. These are general guidelines only. Your individual course of treatment may vary.