Open reduction and internal fixation
Open reduction and internal fixation has been studied in 15 papers since 2021: 1 trial and 11 observational studies in people, 3 reviews; 3 in the past year. The newest paper, Feb 9, 2026: “Predicting complications following proximal humerus fracture repair using the 6-item modified frailty index”.
15 papers study it10 findingsUpdated
“compared with the RA group, the ORIF group had significantly lower odds for full weight bearing allowed one day after surgery (OR: 0.49; p < 0.001)”
None of its findings points the other way.
- 3 independent labs in 3 countries
- Funder: Philipps-Universität Marburg
- Human trial1
- Humans11
What did studies of Open reduction and internal fixation find?
5Studies of Open reduction and internal fixation measured 5 outcomes; the most studied are mortality (1 study), nonsurgical complications (1) and walking ability (1).
Mortality
no changein humans1
1 study
Mortality
no changein humans1
Open reduction and internal fixation has no effect on mortality in humans.
“The probability of death during follow-up and the EQ-5D-5 L score after seven and 120 days remained unaffected.”
Humansafter 2:1 matching, compared with RAn = 607
Archives of orthopaedic and trauma surgery
Nonsurgical complications
downin humans1OR 0.59
1 study
Nonsurgical complications
downin humans1OR 0.59
Open reduction and internal fixation decreases nonsurgical complications in humans (OR: 0.59, p = 0.012).
“the occurrence of nonsurgical complications (OR: 0.59; p = 0.012)”
Humansafter 2:1 matching, compared with RAn = 607
Archives of orthopaedic and trauma surgery
Walking ability
downin humans1OR 0.56
1 study
Walking ability
downin humans1OR 0.56
Open reduction and internal fixation decreases walking ability in humans (OR: 0.56, p = 0.005).
“walking ability after seven days (OR: 0.56; p = 0.005)”
Humansafter 2:1 matching, compared with RA7 daysn = 607
Archives of orthopaedic and trauma surgery
Full weight bearing allowed one day after surgery
downin humans1OR 0.49
1 study
Full weight bearing allowed one day after surgery
downin humans1OR 0.49
Open reduction and internal fixation decreases full weight bearing allowed one day after surgery in humans (OR: 0.49, p < 0.001).
“compared with the RA group, the ORIF group had significantly lower odds for full weight bearing allowed one day after surgery (OR: 0.49; p < 0.001)”
Humansafter 2:1 matching, compared with RAn = 607
Archives of orthopaedic and trauma surgery
Reoperation
upin humans1RR 2.6
1 study
Reoperation
upin humans1RR 2.6
Open reduction and internal fixation increases reoperation in humans (RR: 2.60; 95% CI: 1.42 to 4.75).
“Reoperation was more common after ORIF (RR: 2.60; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.42 to 4.75; P = 0.002)”
Reviewacetabular fractures
The Journal of arthroplasty
What is Open reduction and internal fixation linked with?
6Studies link Open reduction and internal fixation with 6 measures, most often reoperation (1 study), postoperative complications (1) and SF-36 physical function and vitality scores (1).
Reoperation
upin humans1+20%
1 study
Reoperation
upin humans1+20%
Open reduction and internal fixation is associated with reoperation in humans (20%).
“ORIF alone was associated with a 20% reoperation rate while the rate of delayed surgical treatment in patients selected for nonoperative treatment was 1%.”
Humansacetabular fractures
Acta orthopaedica
Postoperative complications
upin humans1
1 study
Postoperative complications
upin humans1
Open reduction and internal fixation raises the risk of postoperative complications in humans (38.10% vs. 10%, p = 0.022).
“Postoperative complications were significantly more frequent in the ORIF group (38.10% vs. 10%, p = 0.022).”
Humansacute distal femur fracturesn = 75
European journal of orthopaedic surgery & traumatology : orthopedie traumatologie
SF-36 physical function and vitality scores
downin humans1
1 study
SF-36 physical function and vitality scores
downin humans1
Open reduction and internal fixation is associated with SF-36 physical function and vitality scores in humans.
“However, younger patients had lower scores in the physical function and vitality scales of SF-36, compared to the age-matched general population.”
HumansCompared with the age-matched general populationAt least one year after surgeryn = 29
The archives of bone and joint surgery
SF-36 scores
no changein humans1
1 study
SF-36 scores
no changein humans1
Open reduction and internal fixation is associated with SF-36 scores in humans.
“In addition, SF-36 scores were not significantly different between elderly patients and the age-matched general population.”
HumansCompared with the age-matched general populationAt least one year after surgeryn = 19
The archives of bone and joint surgery
Pain
upin humans1
1 study
Pain
upin humans1
Open reduction and internal fixation is associated with pain in humans (VAS 2.20 ± 1.21 pre-trauma versus 3.00 ± 1.41 at final follow-up).
“The mean pre-trauma VAS was 2.20 ± 1.21 (range, 0 to 4), and the mean VAS recorded at the final follow-up was 3.00 ± 1.41”
HumansTraumatic periprosthetic femoral fractures; final follow-up compared with pre-trauma statushipOne year64% femalesn = 25
Arthroplasty (London, England)
Harris hip score
downin humans1
1 study
Harris hip score
downin humans1
Open reduction and internal fixation is associated with harris hip score in humans (77.44 ± 8.63 pre-trauma versus 72.47 ± 8.85 at final follow-up).
“The mean pre-trauma Harris Hip Score was 77.44 ± 8.63 (range, 65 to 90), and the mean Harris Hip Score collected at the final follow-up was 72.47”
HumansTraumatic periprosthetic femoral fractures; final follow-up compared with pre-trauma statushipOne year64% femalesn = 25
Arthroplasty (London, England)