What is ORIF Surgery for Proximal Humerus Fracture?

End of the range of motion proximal humerus fracture is a type of bony injury that occurs when the elbow joint is forced to move beyond its normal range of movement. This injury can have more than six weeks and include other associated problems such as swelling and pain. In addition, protruding bone fragments cut through the soft tissues and may even result in avascular necrosis (AVN) to the bone. People with end-range separation are at risk for developing AVN due to hemarthrosis.

How is the Surgery Performed?

ORIF surgery for proximal humerus fracture is a surgical procedure that is usually performed if the patient has a 4-part fracture. The surgery lasts around 1 hour and 30 minutes.

The procedure begins with the surgeon making an incision in the front part of your shoulder. The surgeon then drills a hole in the head of your humerus (upper arm bone) and attaches a plate to it, holding it in place with screws. Your surgeon will then put the middle piece of your humerus back into place and attach it to the plate with screws.

After this, your surgeon will close the incisions using stitches or staples, apply a dressing and remove any bandages that were used during the surgery. After surgery, you will be taken to a recovery room for some time before being discharged to go home.

What are the Expected Outcomes?

If your doctor has recommended an ORIF surgery, it means that they think an open surgery can help you heal faster and regain shoulder function. A doctor can recommend this kind of surgery if your shoulder bones have shifted or misaligned after a fall or other traumatic event. An ORIF surgery will put the bones back into their proper position and attach them using screws and metal plates.

In many cases, ORIF surgery for proximal humerus fracture helps patients recover full use of their arms within a year of their injury. However, patients who require this kind of surgery tend to be older because they may not recover as quickly as younger ones.

After receiving an ORIF surgery, patients typically need to stay in the hospital for several days until they can return home. During this time, you will likely receive physical therapy to help you regain mobility in your arm and shoulder.

Where Can you get an ORIF Surgery?

If you are experiencing shoulder pain in Richardson TX, you may be suffering from a proximal humerus fracture. If that is the case, the Plano Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center can help you evaluate your treatment options.

The surgeons at this office have years of experience with this procedure and can help you get back to your normal life as soon as possible.

Contact us today!

Dr. Michael S. Howard

Shoulder, Elbow and
Upper extremity
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Dr. Earl R. Lund

Shoulder, Elbow, Hand and Wrist
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Dr. Thanh Le

Elbow, Hand and Wrist
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