16 December 2025
When Does a Fracture Need Surgery? Understanding Fixation
Why do some broken bones need plates and screws? Learn the medical reasons for fracture surgery, from displaced bones to joint involvement.
Sometimes, a cast isn't enough. If the bone pieces are too far apart or unstable, nature needs help.
Surgery—usually called ORIF (Open Reduction and Internal Fixation)—uses metal plates, screws, or rods to hold the bone in the perfect position.
Why Do We Operate?
1. Displacement (The Gap is Too Big)
If the bone ends aren't touching, they won't fuse. We need to physically put them back together.
2. Joint Involvement (Intra-Articular)
If a fracture cracks into a joint (knee, hip, ankle), the surface must be perfectly smooth. Even a 2mm step can cause rapid arthritis. Surgery is essential to restore the smooth surface.
3. Open Fractures (Compound)
If the bone poked through the skin, the risk of infection is huge. Surgery is needed to clean the wound and stabilize the bone.
4. Early Mobilisation (Faster Recovery)
A cast keeps you in bed for months. Surgery (like a rod in a thigh bone) allows you to walk the next day. For elderly patients, this is life-saving.
The Hardware: Will It Stay In?
- Plates/Screws: Usually stay in forever unless they cause irritation.
- Rods (Nails): Usually permanent.
- K-Wires: Usually removed after 6 weeks.
Takeaway
We choose surgery when the benefits (perfect alignment, faster movement) outweigh the risks.
It’s about getting you back to your life, not just healing a bone.
Need Expert Orthopaedic Care?
Consult Dr. Abhijit Kale, Mumbai's trusted expert in Robotic Joint Replacement & Spine Surgery. Get a personalized treatment plan today.