3 Signs Of A Suspected Foot Fracture: What To Expect During ORIF

The Pain Of A Broken Bone

For many people, the sensation of pain can serve as a cautionary warning to prevent damage or indicate that an injury has occurred. While discomfort can happen throughout the body, a broken bone ranks fairly high on the pain scale. Depending on where the fracture occurs, people may need more serious interventions than simply getting a cast or reducing weight on the injury site. With 26 bones in the foot, a fracture or break in this area can turn serious if the following signs are ignored.

1. Severe pain and swelling

Unsurprisingly, pain and swelling are 2 of the most telltale signs that an injury has occurred anywhere in the body, including the foot. While some discomfort would be expected for any incident, with a fracture, the pain intensity can be more significant. Although pain interpretation can vary by person, a trip to the doctor is in order if the pain is significant enough to interfere with mobility.

2. Signs of a cut or bruise

If the foot has a visible injury like a cut, wound, or bruise that indicates a possible fracture, don’t wait to get help. More severe breaks may even cause bones to break through the skin. Getting immediate medical attention should be a priority in these scenarios.

3. Misshapen foot

Similar to visible damage to the foot, a misshapen appendage is another obvious sign that any injury incurred is serious. Note that this symptom can also include a foot that’s pointing in the wrong direction or has become deformed due to a broken bone.

Fixing fractures with ORIF

Open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) is a surgery that works to repair severely broken bones. The procedure is highly specialized, and only people with severe breaks are considered viable candidates. The surgery involves several steps to realign the bones, stabilize the injury, and repair any damage incurred. Ideal candidates for ORIF include individuals who have experienced breaks in several places, a bone that moved out of position, or bones sticking out of the skin.

What to expect

Open reduction internal fixation is a multifaceted surgery requiring a few steps. First, the bones will be held together through an artificial source such as plates, rods, metal pins, or screws. Sometimes, the procedure is recommended for unstable breaks, including injuries that occur in the joint area. While the treatment is fairly successful for most people, individual outcomes often depend on the patient’s age, general health, severity and location of the fracture, and what rehabilitation is performed after the procedure.

Surgery for improved healing

Although not all people are good candidates for ORIF, the procedure is often necessary as an emergency treatment. An orthopedic surgeon can provide proper guidance on what to expect, how to prepare for the surgery, and how to recover for the best mobility outcomes. If a fracture is suspected, don’t delay seeking an assessment from a healthcare provider.