Orthopaedics

Question 1

What open reduction vs closed reduction?

internal fixation vs external fixation ?

Answer 1

Both forms of surgery used to treat fractured bones
Open reduction - bones realigned through the surgeon making an incision in the skin.
Closed reduction - uses traction - surgeon pushes or pulls the bone in position , realigning it without making an incision in the skin.

An external fixator acts as a stabilizing frame to hold the broken bones in proper position. In an external fixator, metal pins or screws are placed into the bone through small incisions into the skin and muscle. The pins and screws are attached to a bar outside the skin. Because pins are inserted into bone, external fixators differ from casts and splints which rely solely on external support.

Internal fixation

often open reduction and internal fixation - happen together in ORIF surgery