When considering surgery for a fracture, internal fixation emerges as a vital method. This medical strategy involves using implants like screws, plates, or rods to secure broken bones, enabling proper healing.
Many people find reassurance in how these techniques facilitate recovery. With advancements in medicine, internal fixation options have improved, leading to better outcomes and quicker rehabilitation times.
Sri Balaji Hospital, a leading centre for fracture management in Chennai, leverages these modern surgical technologies to enhance patient results. This article aims to clarify these innovations' crucial role in fracture treatment and why selecting a top-tier centre like Sri Balaji Hospital is pivotal for your surgical success.
Surgical Techniques for Internal Fixation for Fractures
The precision in the surgical approach for internal fixation is crucial.
Under anaesthesia, the surgeon strategically makes the smallest required entry to reach the fracture area. The incision is made through or between muscles, minimising tissue damage and promoting better healing. The fracture is precisely aligned and then stabilised using the most appropriate fixation devices, such as plates, screws, or nails (rods).
This approach aligns the bones and facilitates early movement, which is essential for recovery.
Types of Internal Fixation Devices for Fractures
Internal fixation devices are integral to modern surgical fracture treatments, providing stability and faster recovery. Let us explore these devices and their specific applications in surgery.
- Plates serve as internal splints, binding the broken bone pieces. Typically, they are attached to the bone with screws, offering robust stability, which enables early mobilisation. Depending on how well the fracture heals, the type of implant used, and your age & general condition, your doctor may recommend leaving these devices inside the body permanently or removing them later.
- Screws are incredibly versatile in bone surgery. They can be used to secure a fracture or alongside plates and nails. Their sizes and designs vary, and are most commonly carefully chosen by your surgeon to suit your bone strength and size.
- Nails, often called rods, are used for long bone fractures like those in the femur (thigh bone) or the tibia (shin bone). They are inserted into the marrow canal of the bone, providing strong internal support that allows for weight bearing relatively soon after the surgery.
Understanding the specific applications and materials of these devices is crucial for appreciating the advanced surgical care provided.
Also Read : Elevating Elderly Care: Managing Fragility Fractures Effectively
Plates and Screws in Internal Fixation
Plates act as internal splints that bind the broken bone pieces. They are typically fastened to the bone using multiple screws. Depending on the fracture's severity and location, various types of plates are used to ensure optimal healing and stability.
Locking plates are a significant innovation in this area. These plates have holes that lock the screws into the plate, helping maintain alignment without additional stress on the bone. This feature is especially beneficial in cases where bone quality is compromised or in complex fractures where traditional plates might not provide enough stability.
Screws are not just fasteners but are designed to compress and stabilise the fracture, promoting quicker and more effective healing. The choice of screws depends on factors like the fracture type, bone quality, and the specific requirements of the fixation technique.
Recent advancements in screw design have significantly improved their functionality. Additionally, the materials and threading of screws have been refined to enhance their holding strength in the bone, reduce infection risk, and minimise the chance of screw loosening or breaking. Titanium screws, known for their strength and biocompatibility, are often used in scenarios where minimal reaction with body tissue is crucial.
While plates and screws provide robust solutions for many fractures, other techniques like intramedullary nails and wires also play a crucial role in managing different types of fractures.
Intramedullary Nails and Wires in Fracture Management
Intramedullary nails are pivotal in stabilising fractures, particularly those involving long bones like the femur and tibia. These nails, inserted into the bone's medullary cavity, are crucial in aligning and stabilising the fractured segments, allowing for early weight bearing and movement.
Kirschner wires (K wires) are often employed in hand and foot surgeries due to their small size and ease of insertion, which minimises tissue damage. In more complex fractures, wires can serve as adjuncts to other fixation methods, helping maintain alignment and supporting other fixation devices like plates or external fixators until definitive stabilisation can be achieved.
By providing stable internal fixation, these methods facilitate early mobilisation, which is crucial in reducing the risk of complications like deep vein thrombosis and muscle atrophy. The strategic application of these fixation techniques is essential in optimising patient outcomes and minimising risks associated with fracture management.
Complications and Risks of Internal Fixation for Fractures
When considering internal fixation for fractures, It is crucial to be aware of the potential complications that can arise. These complications can significantly impact your recovery and overall health.
Awareness of potential complications is key for patients undergoing internal fixation. Here are the most common risks:
- One of the most common complications following internal fixation is the risk of infection. Despite the sterile environment and preventive measures, infections can occur, particularly in open fractures where the bone penetrates the skin. Antibiotics are routinely administered during surgery to mitigate this risk. However, the presence of metal implants can sometimes attract bacteria, leading to infection at the site of the surgery.
- Another potential risk is nerve damage. During the surgical procedure, delicate nerves in the vicinity of the fracture site can accidentally be damaged. This might result in numbness or loss of sensation in the affected area, which typically improves over time but can occasionally be permanent.
- Fractures involving a joint can lead to post traumatic arthritis. This condition arises when the joint surface is damaged, leading to pain and stiffness in the joint. While internal fixation can stabilise the fracture and allow for earlier movement, it does not eliminate the risk of arthritis developing in the future.
Post Surgery Care and Outcomes in Fracture Management
Postoperative care is crucial for a successful recovery. This care typically includes pain management, physical therapy, and vigilant monitoring for signs of infection or complications, tailored especially for elderly patients.
Effective post-surgery care involves several critical components to ensure a successful recovery. These include:
- Pain management
- Physical therapy
- Vigilant monitoring for signs of infection or complications
Elderly patients might face additional challenges during the post-surgical phase. Specialised care programmes for geriatric fracture treatments are tailored to meet the unique needs of older adults. These programs focus on comprehensive geriatric care expertise, ensuring that elderly patients receive the best possible support during their recovery.
Understanding these aspects of post-surgical care helps underscore the critical role of comprehensive monitoring and specialised programs in achieving successful recovery outcomes.
Ensuring Your Recovery with Sri Balaji Hospital’s Advanced Care
At Sri Balaji Hospital, the focus on minimising risks starts with surgical precision and extends through detailed post-operative care. The use of modern surgical techniques and careful planning helps minimise the likelihood of complications.
Post-surgery, the emphasis on early mobilisation and continuous monitoring is crucial in promptly addressing any signs of complications. Understanding and managing these risks is essential for anyone undergoing internal fixation.
Sri Balaji is the best ortho hospital in Chennai for comprehensive care that facilitates a smooth journey to recovery.
Contact us to book an appointment with our ortho experts.
