Fracture fixation is a cornerstone of orthopedic surgery, involving the stabilization and alignment of broken bones to facilitate healing and restore function. When a bone fractures due to trauma, disease, or stress, fracture fixation techniques are employed to bring the broken segments into proper alignment and immobilize them until healing occurs.
Various methods of fracture fixation exist, ranging from traditional techniques like casting and splinting to more advanced approaches such as surgical fixation with implants like plates, screws, rods, or intramedullary nails. The choice of fixation method depends on factors such as the type and location of the fracture, the patient's age and overall health, and the desired outcome.
Surgical fracture fixation is often preferred for complex fractures, open fractures (where the bone breaks through the skin), or fractures that fail to heal properly with non-surgical methods. During surgery, the orthopedic surgeon carefully repositions the fractured bone fragments and secures them in place using specialized implants. This restores stability to the bone, allowing early mobilization and facilitating faster healing.
