General Procedure Information
Fracture Reduction and Internal Fixation
Some fractures need the bone to be realigned and stabilised with plates, screws, nails, wires or another method to support healing.
What Is It?
Fracture reduction and internal fixation aims to restore an appropriate position for a displaced or unstable fracture and hold it with internal implants. Whether surgery is required, the fixation method and whether care is staged depend on the bone involved, displacement, skin and soft tissues, nerve and blood-vessel status, and overall health.
When Might It Be Considered?
These are common assessment considerations only; they do not mean that you are necessarily suitable for surgery or the procedure.
- A displaced or unstable fracture, joint-surface involvement, an open fracture or another situation needing urgent treatment
- A suitable position or function cannot be maintained with casting, bracing or non-operative care
- Emergency or orthopaedic assessment indicates fixation may aid alignment, stability and rehabilitation
What Are the Alternatives?
- Some stable, undisplaced or specific fractures can be managed with a cast, brace, sling and close follow-up
- The decision is not based on X-ray alone; function, soft tissues, bone quality, operative risk and living needs also matter
General Assessment and Procedure Planning
The orthopaedic team assesses the injury, wound, circulation, sensation and movement, with X-ray, CT or other imaging as needed. In acute trauma, wounds, swelling or overall medical condition may need attention first before timing and type of fixation are decided.
Important
Possible Risks and Limitations
All surgery and invasive procedures carry risks. Your actual risk depends on your condition, the scope of the procedure, health and other factors. Your doctor will discuss this individually during informed consent.
- General surgical risks including anaesthetic complications, bleeding, infection, blood clots and injury to nerves or blood vessels
- Delayed union, non-union, malunion, implant irritation, loosening or breakage, and possible further surgery
- The injury itself can cause long-term stiffness, pain, infection or functional limitation, which surgery may not fully remove
General Recovery Approach
Healing time and weight-bearing permission vary with the fracture, fixation stability, bone quality, wound and imaging results. Follow-up and imaging monitor healing; physiotherapy can gradually restore movement, strength, balance and function within the surgeon’s restrictions.
When Should You Contact the Medical Team Promptly?
- Pain, swelling, redness or warmth becomes suddenly worse after surgery or injury
- Persistent wound bleeding or discharge, marked wound redness or swelling, fever, chills or feeling generally unwell
- New or worsening numbness, weakness, breathing difficulty, chest pain or marked calf pain/swelling
For severe illness, breathing difficulty, chest pain, fainting or inability to travel safely, call 999 or attend an emergency department immediately.
Reference
Hong Kong College of Orthopaedic Surgeons: General injuries and conditions patient education
Would You Like to Discuss Which Treatment Direction May Be Suitable?
Book an orthopaedic assessment to discuss your symptoms, findings, lifestyle needs and treatment goals individually.