Fracture Repair, also known as Fracture Fixation or Osteosynthesis, is a medical procedure performed to treat broken or fractured bones. The goal of fracture repair is to stabilize the fractured bone fragments, promote proper alignment, and facilitate the natural healing process of the bone. This procedure is performed by Orthopedic Surgeons and can involve various techniques and surgical approaches depending on the type and location of the fracture.

There are two primary methods of fracture repair:

Non-Surgical (Conservative) Treatment: Not all fractures require surgical intervention. Many fractures can be successfully treated without surgery, particularly if the broken bone fragments are well-aligned and stable. Non-surgical approaches to fracture repair include:

Casting: The affected limb is immobilized in a cast or splint to maintain proper alignment and stability while the bone heals. This is commonly used for certain types of simple fractures, like some wrist or ankle fractures.

Bracing: A brace or external fixation device is used to support and stabilize the fractured bone.

Traction: Traction involves applying continuous pulling force to the fractured bone to help maintain alignment.

Surgical Fracture Repair: Surgical intervention is necessary when the fracture is displaced (bone fragments are not properly aligned), unstable, or when conservative treatments are unlikely to achieve optimal healing. Surgical fracture repair techniques include:

Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF): In ORIF, the surgeon makes an incision to expose the fracture site, repositions the bone fragments to their normal alignment, and uses hardware such as plates, screws, pins, or rods to hold the fragments in place. This is commonly used for complex fractures, long bone fractures, and fractures that involve joint surfaces.

Intramedullary Nail (IM Nail): This procedure involves inserting a metal rod (nail) into the center of a long bone, such as the femur or tibia. The nail helps stabilize the bone and promote healing.

External Fixation: In this technique, metal pins or wires are inserted through the skin and into the bone fragments on both sides of the fracture. These pins are then connected to an external frame to maintain alignment and stability.

Percutaneous Pinning: This minimally invasive procedure involves inserting pins through the skin and into the bone to stabilize the fracture.

The choice of fracture repair method depends on several factors, including the type and location of the fracture, the age and overall health of the patient, and the surgeon's judgment. After fracture repair, patients typically undergo a period of immobilization, followed by physical therapy or rehabilitation to help regain strength, range of motion, and function in the affected area. The exact recovery process and timeline depend on the specific fracture and surgical technique used.