Fracture Fixation
Not every fracture needs surgery. Many heal well in plaster. Fixation is for fractures that are displaced, unstable, involve a joint surface, or would leave a limb deformed if left. Plates and screws hold the bone in position while it heals.
- Only for fractures that need it
- C-arm imaging during surgery
- Early movement where fixation is stable
- Emergency fixation available at any hour
Stay
1 to 4 days
Duration
1 to 3 hours
Anaesthesia
General or regional
About Fracture Fixation
The purpose of fixation is not to make the bone heal faster but to hold it in the right position while it does, and to allow movement of nearby joints. That matters most for fractures involving a joint surface, where even small steps in the surface lead to arthritis. Stable fixation often allows movement to begin within days, which prevents stiffness.
- Fixation holds position; the bone still heals at its own pace
- Joint surface fractures need the most accurate reduction
- Stable fixation allows early movement, which prevents stiffness
- Metalwork is usually left in place unless it causes problems
Before you read on
Everything here is general information about fracture fixation. Whether it suits you, and how it would be done in your case, is a decision for your doctor after examining you.
Your consultant's instructions always take precedence over anything written on this page.
When is it recommended?
Situations in which a doctor may suggest fracture fixation.
- Displaced fractures that cannot be held in plaster
- Fractures involving a joint surface
- Unstable fractures of the forearm, leg or ankle
- Fractures around the hip
- Open fractures needing surgical care
- Fractures that have failed to unite
Procedure details
The usual sequence, from first consultation through to follow-up.
Assessment
X-rays, and CT for joint fractures, to define the pattern and plan the fixation before theatre.
Surgery
The fracture is reduced into position, checked with C-arm imaging, and held with plates, screws or wires.
Early care
Pain relief, elevation and, where fixation is stable, early movement of nearby joints to prevent stiffness.
Follow-up
X-rays at intervals confirm the bone is uniting, with weight bearing progressed according to the fracture.
How to prepare
What to sort out before you come in.
- Emergency fixation happens without preparation
- For planned surgery, fasting as instructed
- Tell the team about blood thinners, diabetes and smoking
- Stop smoking if possible, as it measurably slows bone healing
- Arrange help at home, particularly for leg fractures
Recovery
What to expect afterwards, and roughly when.
- Bone union usually takes six to twelve weeks depending on the bone and your age
- Follow weight-bearing instructions exactly, as premature loading can displace the fixation
- Elevation reduces swelling and pain considerably in the first weeks
- Physiotherapy restores movement and strength, which takes longer than the bone healing
- Metalwork is usually left unless it causes irritation
Why choose Humayun for fracture fixation
Fractures are judged on whether the limb works afterwards, not on whether the bone joined.
- Joint surface fractures planned from CT, because small steps in the surface cause arthritis
- C-arm imaging in theatre to confirm reduction before closing
- Stable fixation aimed at allowing early movement, which is what prevents stiffness
- Emergency theatre available at any hour rather than waiting for a routine list
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