What Is ORIF in Medical Terminology?

In this X-ray, the radius is the bone with the thicker distal end. The ulna has a more slender profile.

In medical terminology, ORIF is the abbreviation for "open reduction internal fixation." ORIF is considered to be a procedure in repairing a long bone fracture. There are five bones classified as long bones--the radius and ulna in the forearm, the humerus in the upper forelimb, the femur in the upper leg and the tibia and fibula in the lower leg. ORIF is indicated in ball and socket joints (shoulder, hip) and hinge joints (elbow, knee).

ORIF in a Ball and Socket Joint Break

In this X-ray of the pelvic girdle, the ball and socket joint presents on the right. The ball joint tapers away from the greater trochanter of the proximal femur to form the ball.

In a ball and socket joint break, the proximal head of the humerus or femur is detached from the long bone body. To correct the fracture, a plate and pins are used to stabilize the bone head back into anatomical position. When discussing the hip, the detached bone end may have to be completely replaced with a synthetic ball. This is achieved by driving a new ball into the proximal femur body.

ORIF in the Medial Bone Shaft of the Humerus and Femur

As seen in this X-ray, the hinge of the knee presents rounded. The tibia is the bone with the larger proximal head.

If the medial, or middle, of the femur or humerus is the location of the break, the bone is reduced and stabilized by a combination of rods and pins. The rods and pins are left in until the bone mends and regains strength through fixated mobility. Due to the lack of ambulation associated with the break, the limb may become weakened from lack of use. This could result in the need for physical therapy.

ORIF in a Hinge Joint Break

In this illustration, the hinge joint of the elbow is comprised of the distal humerus and proximal radius/ulna bone ends.

When ORIF is used in an elbow hinge joint break, the distal humerus or proximal radius and ulna is reduced to normal anatomical position and fixated with a combination of pins, plates, screws and/or wires. In the knee, if the break occurs under the patella, pins are used to stabilize the distal femur and proximal fibula/tibia as needed. Tibial tip fractures can also occur, and ORIF may be used in treatment.

Coupled Fractures of the Radius/Ulna and Tibia/Fibula

In this view, the tibia is the larger bone mass, and the fibula appears to be inside of it.

The radius/ulna and the tibia/fibula couples often break at the same time. Because the four distal long bones of the body are more slender than the singular long bones of the upper and lower proximal extremities, both tend to compensate for weight distribution during a fracture incident. Although a dual fracture is often observed, both bones fracturing simultaneously is not exclusive.

ORIF in the Medial Bone Shaft of the Radius/Ulna and Tibia/Fibula

In a medial bone fracture, the break will occur in the middle of a long bone.

Much like the ORIF procedure used in medial bone shaft fractures of the humerus and femur, the radius/ulna and tibia/fibula bone duos may need reduced and fixated if a medial fracture occurs. The fractured ends of the long bone bodies are reduced and fixated internally with pins, screws, rods or other stabilization equipment. After the retracted bone heals, the patient will be asked to ambulate to regain function in an attempt to restore a full range of motion.

References

• eORIF: Proximal Humerus ORIF
• Orthopedic Medicine and Surgery: Hip Fracture ORIF
• Ortho Super Site: ORIF or elbow arthroplasty for distal humeral fractures
• eORIF: ORIF Patella

Resources

• eORIF: Home Page