Tibia Fracture Fixation

Technique:

This treatment is performed as a less invasive alternative to surgery in fractures that cannot heal on their own with bracing and immobilization. During the procedure, surgical hardware such as metal plates, pins and screws are used to align the bone and hold it in place while it heals.  Similarly, intramedullary (IM) rodding are inserted into the bone marrow canal of longer bones to provide long-term support.  These devices usually stay in the body permanently as long as no pain or other symptoms develop at the site of insertion.

What to Expect-Day of Surgery:

This is an inpatient surgery; the average stay in the hospital is 1-2 days. The procedure takes typically 2-3 hours, depending on the complexity. Usually general (or nerve block) anesthesia will be used.  Your anesthesiologist will discuss this with you prior to the surgery.  After the surgery is complete, you will be taken to the recovery room where you will stay for approximately 1-2 hours till stable. You will then go to your room. You will start physical therapy typically the day of surgery if the surgery is early in the morning or the next day if the surgery is later in the day. Appropriate pain medicines are prescribed to make you comfortable. 

What to Expect-After Surgery:

You will do physical therapy every day. Your dressing will be changed on the second or third day after surgery. There is a risk of developing blood clots in the legs after this surgery and hence, you will receive an injection of a type of "heparin" to prevent this. You will continue this at home for 2-3 weeks. Most likely, you will be discharged home. Occasionally, if you need the additional help, you may go to a rehab facility for a few days. Prior to going home, all arrangements will be made to arrange for home visiting personnel, equipment and medicines. You will follow up with Dr. Ahluwalia in 10-14 days after surgery. At that visit, further physical therapy and activity restrictions will be discussed.