Definition

This procedure is done to return a broken bone to its proper alignment. An open fracture reduction involves cutting through the skin to realign the bones during an operation. Screws and a plate or external support frame may be needed to hold the fragments in place.

Reasons for Procedure

This procedure is used if the bone is in many pieces, is difficult to reduce, or wasn't reduced with a closed reduction.

Fracture reduction is done for the following reasons:

• So that the bone can heal properly and more quickly
• To decrease pain and prevent later deformity
• To regain use of the bone and limb

Possible Complications

Complications are rare, but no procedure is completely free of risk. If you are planning to have a fracture reduction, your doctor will review a list of possible complications, which may include:

• Nerve damage
• Infection
• Bleeding
• Fat particles from the bone marrow or blood clots from veins that may break loose and travel to the lungs
• Need for additional surgery if the bone does not heal properly
• Reaction to anesthesia

Factors that may increase the risk of complications include:

• Increased age
• Preexisting medical condition
• An open fracture—broken bone is sticking out of skin
• Diabetes
• Use of steroid medication
• Smoking
• Obesity

What to Expect

Description of the Procedure

A incision will be made in the skin covering the break. This is to expose the bone fragments. The bone fragments will be moved into their normal position. Screws, a plate with screws, or a rod may be used inside the body or an external frame fixed to the bone fragments may be used to hold the bones in place. The incision will be closed with stitches. The area will be protected with a splint or cast and dressings.

Open Reduction of Tibia Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Call Your Doctor

After you leave the hospital, contact your doctor if any of the following occurs:

• Severe or unusual pain that is not relieved by pain medication
• Signs of infection, including fever and chills
• Redness, swelling, increasing pain, excessive bleeding, or discharge from the incision site
• Cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain
• Numbness and/or tingling in the injured extremity
• Loss of movement in the fingers or toes of the injured arm or leg
• The cast feels too tight
• Burning or stinging sensations under the cast
• Redness of the skin around the cast
• Persistent itching under the cast
• Cracks or soft spots develop in the cast
• Chalky white, blue, or black discoloration of the fingers, toes, arm, or leg

If you think you have an emergency, call for emergency medical services right away.