Humeral Orif

Open Reduction and Internal Fixation of arm bone (ORIF)

ORIF Humeral Operation Procedure

The humerus is the arm bone, and after it ruptures, the surgeon may try to support the bone with a brace or cast. Alternatively, the surgeon may perform an operation with a plate or screws.

General or local anesthesia will be administered. The skin will be cleaned with antiseptic fluid, and surgical towels will be placed around the arm. Next, the incision and surgery will be made. When the bone is back in place, the surgeon will hold it in place with plates and screws.

Risks of ORIF Humeral Surgery

As with all procedures, this carries some risks and complications.

Common

• Pain: The procedure hurts afterwards. It is important to discuss this with the staff and ask for pain medication if necessary. Keeping the arm up (elevated) in a sling will reduce pain.
• Scar: The operation will leave a thin one at the back of the elbow. You can discuss the extent of the scar with your surgeon.

Rare

• Infection: May occur as redness, discharge, or temperature around the wound. A course of antibiotics may be necessary once the source has been isolated.
• Scars may be treated with steroid injection or surgically if necessary.
• Fat necrosis: This is also a cause of delayed scarring.
• Neurovascular Damage-There are many important nerves and blood vessels running down the arm. This can leave numbness or weakness in the muscles below the elbow.
• Delayed wound healing: This can occur if the wound is stressed, infected, or has poor blood supply.
• Bleeding: There will inevitably be some bleeding, but this is usually controlled at the time of the operation.
• Delay / lack of union: This can occur because the bone is damaged, the bone is of poor quality or the bone is not well.