Shoulder Open Reduction and Internal Fixation Surgery

Learn more about shoulder ORIF surgery at King Edward VII’s Hospital

Why would I need shoulder open reduction and internal fixation surgery?

If your shoulder is broken so severely that your doctor or surgeon thinks that it won’t repair naturally by being immobilised in a sling, they will advise that you have shoulder open reduction and internal fixation surgery. This kind of surgery usually gives the best chance of recovering normal movement in your shoulder.

What symptoms does shoulder open reduction and internal fixation surgery address?

Shoulder ORIF surgery is used to fix severely broken bones in the shoulder. It’s also beneficial for shoulder bones that have pierced through the skin or that have been shattered or moved out of alignment. During this kind of surgery, medical grade pins, plates, rods or screws are used to hold the bones together and in place.

When should you speak to your specialist about shoulder open reduction and internal fixation surgery?

Shoulder open reduction and internal fixation surgery is usually recommended in Accident and Emergency departments so your GP is unlikely to be your first port of call.

How is shoulder open reduction and internal fixation surgery performed?

Shoulder ORIF surgery is carried out in two parts under a general anaesthetic. How long your procedure takes will depend on the severity of your broken shoulder.

The first part is called open reduction surgery. During this part, your surgeon will make a cut in the skin of your shoulder and physically manoeuvre the affected bones into place. They may use x rays throughout to make sure the bones are in the correct position.

During the second part, which is called internal fixation, your surgeon will then use surgical pins, plates, rods and screws to fix the bones together and hold them in place.

What is the recovery like for shoulder open reduction and internal fixation surgery?

Your recovery from shoulder open reduction and internal fixation surgery will depend on multiple factors, including your age, fitness level and the nature of your procedure.

The length of your stay in hospital and how long you take to fully recover will also depend on the severity of your broken shoulder bone(s).

After surgery, your medical teams including surgeons, nursing staff and physiotherapists will provide you with help and advice on how to best recover at home. This will include how long you can expect to wear a sling, when you might recover full movement and what rehabilitation exercises to perform.

Are there any risks/complications associated with shoulder open reduction and internal fixation surgery?

As with any medical procedure, it’s possible for risks or complications to arise. Speaking with your specialist or surgeon beforehand will help you avoid any adverse reactions.

Shoulder open reduction and internal fixation surgery has a relatively low risk of serious complications, but the following risks and complications can occur in a small number of cases:

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Blood clots
• Stiffness or numbness
• Damage to the nerves, blood vessels, tendons or ligaments
• Loss of mobility
• Bones and metalwork moving out of place

How can I prepare for shoulder open reduction and internal fixation surgery?

Shoulder open reduction and internal fixation surgery is usually required without delay. Therefore, the usual advice for preparing for surgery such as quitting smoking, regular exercise and losing weight isn’t relevant.

Are there alternatives for shoulder open reduction and internal fixation surgery?

It isn’t usually advised that a severely broken bone is left without surgery to repair it. Shoulder ORIF surgery is usually carried out in an emergency, therefore there are no other effective alternatives. Less severely broken bones may benefit from immobilisation and physiotherapy.