Open Reduction and Internal Fixation for the Elbow in Pearland, TX

What Is Open Reduction and Internal Fixation?

Open reduction and internal fixation, commonly shortened to ORIF, is a surgical approach doctors use when a fracture is too complex or too displaced for a cast or splint to hold it in proper position on its own. “Open reduction” means Dr. Burke makes an incision to access the fracture directly and move the bone fragments back into alignment. “Internal fixation” refers to the plates, screws, wires, or rods that hold those fragments together while the bone heals.

The elbow frequently needs ORIF because three bones meet there at once: the humerus, radius, and ulna. A fracture here often involves more than one of these bones, or breaks the joint surface into several pieces. Without surgical stabilization, these fractures tend to heal poorly, leaving the joint stiff, weak, or misaligned.

When Elbow ORIF Becomes Necessary

Not every elbow fracture needs surgery. Simple breaks that stay in good alignment sometimes heal fine in a cast. Dr. Burke recommends open reduction and internal fixation surgery when:

• The fracture involves multiple bone fragments
• The bones have shifted out of alignment
• The break extends into the joint surface itself
• The fracture won’t stay aligned with a closed reduction (setting the bone without surgery)
• The fracture is associated with other injuries around the elbow that require surgical management
• The fracture involves the tip of the elbow (olecranon) and the tendon attachment there

Common causes of these fractures include falls onto an outstretched arm, direct impact from car accidents or sports collisions, and high-energy injuries like falls from height. Dr. Burke commonly treats older adults with lower bone density and athletes in contact sports for these injuries.

Signs You May Need to See a Specialist

After a fall or impact to the elbow, certain signs point toward a fracture serious enough to need prompt evaluation:

• Visible deformity or an arm that looks out of position
• Severe swelling and bruising around the joint
• Inability to straighten or bend the elbow
• Numbness or tingling in the hand or fingers
• Pain that doesn’t ease up with rest and ice
• A bone fragment you can feel or see through the skin (an open fracture)

Any of these symptoms is reason enough for an urgent evaluation. Elbow fractures that go untreated, or that heal in the wrong position, can lead to long-term stiffness, nerve damage, or arthritis in the joint down the road.

What Happens During the Surgery

Dr. Burke starts with imaging, usually X-rays and sometimes a CT scan, to see exactly how the bones broke and how many pieces the fracture involves. That picture guides how he plans the surgery and which hardware fits the fracture.

During surgery, he opens the fracture site, moves the bone fragments back into position, and secures them with plates, screws, or pins that keep the bone stable while it heals.

He works carefully around the nerves and blood vessels in the area, since several important structures sit close to the bone in the elbow. Once he stabilizes the fracture, he closes the incision, and your arm goes into a splint or brace to protect the repair while the initial healing begins.

Recovery After Elbow ORIF

Recovery happens in stages. For the first few weeks, you’ll wear a splint or brace that protects the hardware while the bone begins to heal. Dr. Burke checks your progress with follow-up imaging along the way.

Once the bone is stable enough, physical therapy takes over. This part focuses on getting your range of motion back, since the elbow tends to stiffen up after a fracture and surgery. Therapy starts gently and builds from there, adding strengthening work as your arm can handle more.

Dr. Burke’s practice offers on-site physical therapy, so your surgical and rehab care stay connected, and any adjustments to your recovery plan happen based on how your elbow is responding.

Full recovery timelines vary depending on the severity of the fracture and how many bones it involves, and Dr. Burke will walk you through what to expect for your specific injury during your evaluation.

Why Choose Dr. Burke Orthopedics for Elbow ORIF Surgery in Pearland, TX

A broken elbow needs attention fast, and Dr. Burke built his practice around that reality. Board-certified by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery and holding a Certificate in Orthopedic Sports Medicine, Dr. Burke has spent more than 35 years treating orthopedic conditions and has performed 27,000+ orthopedic procedures, including a wide range of fracture patterns.

That experience matters with elbow fractures specifically, since the joint’s mix of bone and soft tissue means Dr. Burke has to plan each surgery around the specific fracture pattern. Patients with a fresh injury need quick evaluation, which is why the office keeps same-day and next-day appointments open.

From your first X-ray to your last physical therapy session, your care stays with one team, so there’s no gap between a surgeon’s office and a separate rehab facility. Dr. Burke also walks you through your fracture and your options in plain terms, so you understand why he’s recommending ORIF, what the hardware does, and what your arm will need from you during recovery.