Open Reduction and External Fixation (OREF) of an open tibial shaft fracture!
The tibia is considered as a subcutaneous bone, which makes it extremely vulnerable to open fractures, either by motor vehicle accidents, skiing accidents, or high-energy falls, as well as plenty of other causes. OREF is usually necessary when a compound (open) fracture or if multiple bone fragments are present. It stabilizes bone and soft tissues at a distance from the operative or injury focus. The management of complex fractures is done with the help of an external fixator, this is a device used for injuries that are associated either with soft tissue damage or open wounds in the fracture area. With an open reduction, the fractured ends of the bone are placed in alignment (the fracture is “reduced”), which promotes bone healing. With external fixation, pins are inserted through the skin into the bone and held in place by an external frame to keep it reduced (properly aligned), immobilized, or both.In the above image, pins are inserted directly into the bone in this external fixation device used to realign broken bony parts.
