What is Surgical Fixation of Fractures in the Forearm, Hand, Wrist, and Fingers?

Surgery may be recommended for the treatment of some types of forearm, hand, wrist and finger fractures. The goal of surgery is to anatomically align the fracture and then fixate it so the bone can heal. Fracture surgery is performed as an open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) procedure under general anesthesia. Surgery is usually performed as an outpatient procedure using the following steps:

An incision is made over the fractured bone Muscles, nerves, blood vessels, and soft tissues are gently moved to expose the bone Surgical instruments are used to align the bone and temporarily hold it in place a plate and screws, rod, pins, or screws are used to fixate the bone

X-rays are taken throughout the procedure to ensure the bone is aligned. After final x-rays are taken, the incision is carefully closed and sterilely dressed. The patient is placed in a comfortable custom-made splint to keep the bone immobilized while it heals. In some cases, a removable wrist brace may be used instead of a splint.

Please make an appointment as soon as possible if you are in an accident or experience an injury.