It is fact that broken bones can cause a lot of pain, often leading to fractures. Until the last century, doctors relied on splits and casts to stabilize and support bones from outside the human body. But, as medical science progressed with each passing decade, doctors introduced new methods, tools, and procedures to cure all kinds of diseases, including internal and external fixations. These devices help to soften broken bones until the patient’s body is strong enough to handle its weight and movement. As new and sterile surgical procedures become more popular, the risk of infection is greatly reduced, enabling doctors to set and stabilize internally broken bones. In fact, doctors use many different internal remedies to heal patients with broken bones. Let’s understand what are Internal fixations and the different types of internal reforms.
Before we move to types of fixation in fractures we need to understand the definition of Internal fixation because some people are confused between internal and external fixation.
Definition of internal fixations?
Internal fixation is defined as an orthopedic surgical procedure in which implants are surgically inserted to repair a bone. The implants can be in the form of pins, screws, or plates that hold the bone fragments in place. This procedure aims to achieve stable fracture fixations with minimal devascularization, early movement, and partial loading. In addition, the fixations are not removed from the patient’s body even after the bone has healed.
What are internal fixations made of?
Internal fixations can be made of durable and sturdy materials such as stainless steel or titanium alloy. If doctors feel the need to replace a joint instead of fixing it (because of excessive bone damage), they can also use cobalt or chrome implants. Such implants are typically compatible with the human body and generally do not trigger any allergic reactions.
Kinds of internal fixations
Internal reforms are appended below as selected by doctors based on the severity of the bone damage.
Plates:
This is a type of internal fixation that has functions similar to splints. In fact, this holds the broken pieces of bone together. In fact, the plates used for fractures are usually attached with the help of various screws. In addition, depending on the severity of the injury, the doctor will decide whether or not the surgical plates will remain unchanged after the bone has healed. There are three types of panels in use.
Screw:
It is a typical internal fixation method used to repair broken bone screws. This is very widely used and there are even several types of screws available. Depending on the amount of damage and the severity of the injury, the doctor decides which screws should be implanted.
In fact, different sizes of screws are available and these are used on the bone that has been implanted. Also, screws are only used to hold the broken bone in place. Rods, nails, plates, and screws can all be used together for internal fixations. After healing, the screws can be left as they are or removed.
Wires or pins:
Pins and wires are used to put the bone back together. We have often noticed that the pieces of bone are too small to be secured with screws. This can be done conveniently with the help of wires. In some cases, it has been used as a connection with any other form of internal fixation.
They can also be used all on their own to repair or heal broken bones. This can be removed after healing or kept permanently in any type of fracture.
Nails or Rods:
Rods or nails are used to provide the best support for severe fractures. By inserting a nail or rod through the hollow part of the bone that contains some marrow, the pieces of bone can be held together.
Even the screws are attached to both ends of the pole. It helps the fracture be immobile and shorten. The rod holds the broken bone in place until the fracture heals.
End Lines:
Both internal and external fixations are common to repair damaged bones, doctors choose the procedure based on how severely the bones are damaged. Compared to external fixations, internal fixations are more beneficial because they allow earlier mobilization and require a less complicated cast. It also reduces the need for longer hospital stays and allows patients to return to their previous routine more quickly. Internal fixations also reduce the likelihood of pseudarthrosis or improper healing of fractures, as well as improper healing, i.e. H. healing in wrong positions. Despite advances in medical procedures that involve bone repairs, orthopedic surgeons around the world continue their research to develop new and improved methods of treating fractures.
