ORIF surgery for fractures in Mohali: cost, implant choices and recovery

Speciality: Orthopaedics, Joint Replacement & Spine Surgery | Centre: Livasa Mohali

Introduction

Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) is a cornerstone procedure in modern orthopaedic trauma care. When bone fragments cannot be aligned and kept stable using non-surgical methods such as casting or closed reduction, ORIF provides direct access to the fracture site to realign (open reduction) and stabilise the bone internally using implants (internal fixation) like plates, screws, or intramedullary nails. For patients in Mohali and the wider Punjab region, ORIF is commonly performed for fractures of the tibia, femur, distal radius (wrist), ankle, clavicle and fractures around joints where precise anatomic alignment matters to preserve function and prevent long-term complications.

This article is intended for patients, family members and caregivers exploring ORIF surgery in Mohali. It explains what ORIF involves, why and when it is recommended, the different implant choices available in Punjab, a practical breakdown of costs (ORIF surgery cost Mohali, fracture fixation price Punjab), recovery timelines, physiotherapy needs, and how to choose the right orthopaedic trauma surgeon and centre. We will also compare alternatives to ORIF, discuss common complications and provide local guidance for scheduling care at Livasa Mohali.

What is ORIF and how does it work?

Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) combines two steps: open reduction—surgically exposing the fracture to directly visualise and align the bone fragments—and internal fixation—applying implants such as plates and screws, intramedullary nails, or wires to stabilise the bone while it heals. The goal is to restore the normal anatomy of the bone and joint surface, ensure stable fixation to allow early movement, and reduce the risk of malunion (healing in the wrong position) or non-union (failure to heal).

ORIF is typically performed in a fully equipped operating theatre under regional or general anaesthesia. The surgeon makes an incision to access the fracture, uses specialised instruments to reduce the fragments, and secures the bones with implants tailored to the location and pattern of fracture. Intraoperative imaging (fluoroscopy / C-arm) helps confirm accurate alignment and implant position. Wounds are closed, and postoperative protocols—pain control, immobilisation as required, and early physiotherapy—are implemented.

ORIF differs from other fixation methods in that the fixation devices are placed inside the body directly on or within the bone. This provides rigid stability and often allows earlier weight-bearing and joint movement compared with prolonged casting. In Mohali and across Punjab, ORIF is frequently recommended for displaced intra-articular fractures (those that involve the joint surface), unstable long-bone fractures, open fractures with contamination, and fractures in patients where functional recovery is prioritized.

Causes and types of fractures that commonly require ORIF

ORIF is indicated for several fracture types that are unlikely to heal satisfactorily with conservative treatment. Common causes of these fractures include high-energy trauma (road traffic accidents, falls from height), sports injuries, occupational injuries, and sometimes pathological fractures (weakened bone due to tumours or osteoporosis). In India, road traffic accidents remain a major contributor to orthopaedic trauma among younger adults, while fragility fractures from osteoporosis are common in older adults.

Typical fracture patterns that often need ORIF include:

• Displaced distal radius (wrist) fractures causing joint incongruity
• Comminuted tibial shaft or plateau fractures
• Femoral shaft and intertrochanteric fractures
• Open (compound) fractures where the skin is broken and infection risk requires debridement and internal fixation
• Fractures around joints (e.g., distal humerus, proximal tibia) where precise joint surface restoration is essential
• Non-unions and malunions that require osteotomy and plate fixation

Globally, the International Osteoporosis Foundation estimates approximately 8.9 million osteoporotic fractures annually, and while many of those are treated conservatively, an important subset—especially displaced or intra-articular fractures—requires operative fixation. In Mohali, tertiary trauma centres like Livasa Mohali treat hundreds of such fractures each year, reflecting the same patterns of high-energy injuries in younger adults and fragility fractures in older populations.

Indications, symptoms and when to seek emergency care

Recognising when a fracture may require ORIF is vital for timely care. Indications for ORIF include:

• Significant displacement of bone fragments with loss of alignment
• Intra-articular fractures with step or gap in joint surface
• Open fractures or fractures with neurovascular compromise
• Unstable fractures where closed reduction and casting cannot maintain reduction
• Fractures in multiply injured patients where early stabilisation improves overall recovery

Symptoms that should prompt immediate evaluation include severe pain at the fracture site, visible deformity, inability to move or bear weight, swelling and bruising, open wound with exposed bone, or signs of loss of circulation or sensation (coldness, numbness). If any of these are present, seek emergency care without delay. In Mohali, emergency orthopaedic services at Livasa Mohali provide rapid triage, imaging and stabilisation, and if indicated, emergency ORIF can be performed to control contamination, restore alignment and reduce complications.

Early operative management for indicated fractures reduces the risk of long-term disability. Delaying ORIF when it is indicated increases the chance of malunion, non-union, post-traumatic arthritis (for joint fractures), infection (in open fractures) and prolonged loss of function—outcomes that may require more complex salvage surgeries later.

ORIF procedure step-by-step and types of anaesthesia

Understanding the surgery helps patients prepare mentally and logistically. A typical ORIF operation follows these steps:

1. Preoperative planning: X-rays, CT scans if required, templating of implants and discussion of approach and expected risks.
2. Anaesthesia: General anaesthesia or regional blocks (spinal or peripheral nerve blocks such as femoral/sciatic or brachial plexus) depending on fracture location, patient factors and surgeon/anaesthetist preference.
3. Exposure: A surgical incision is made to access the fracture while protecting surrounding soft tissues, nerves and vessels.
4. Reduction: Bone fragments are aligned anatomically; temporary clamps, pointed reduction forceps or K-wires may be used to hold fragments.
5. Fixation: Appropriate implants—plates and screws, intramedullary nails, or wires—are used to provide stable fixation.
6. Imaging confirmation: Intraoperative fluoroscopy confirms alignment and implant position.
7. Closure: Soft tissues are closed in layers; drains may be used selectively in certain fractures.
8. Postoperative care: Analgesia, antibiotics (often a single perioperative dose, longer for open fractures), DVT prophylaxis where indicated, and early mobilisation plans are implemented.

The choice of anaesthesia can influence immediate postoperative pain control and rehabilitation. Regional blocks often offer excellent postoperative analgesia and reduced opioid requirements. Livasa Mohali’s anaesthesia team routinely tailors the plan to optimise pain control and facilitate early physiotherapy while ensuring patient safety.

ORIF implant choices and detailed comparison

Implant selection is a critical decision guided by the fracture pattern, bone quality, patient age and activity level. The most common ORIF implants used in Mohali and Punjab include:

• Plates and screws (locking and non-locking): Versatile for metaphyseal and diaphyseal fractures and intra-articular fixation.
• Intramedullary nails: Preferred for long-bone shaft fractures (femur, tibia) allowing load-sharing and often earlier weight-bearing.
• K-wires and tension band wiring: Used for small bones (hand, wrist, olecranon) or as temporary fixation.
• External fixators: Applied in open fractures, severe soft tissue injuries, or as temporary stabilisation prior to definitive ORIF.
• Specialised implants: Anatomical plates, periarticular locking plates, and trauma-specific nails designed to match anatomy and fracture geometry.

Below is a comparative table summarising benefits and expected recovery characteristics of common implant choices:

Implant costs vary widely. In Mohali, typical ORIF implant price Mohali ranges from relatively economical stainless-steel plates and generic nails to higher-cost titanium locking plates or branded trauma nails. The implant selection influences the overall package price. Surgeons at Livasa Mohali discuss implant choices openly and provide cost-effective options without compromising quality.

Comparing surgical approaches: minimally invasive vs traditional open ORIF vs external fixation

Surgical approach selection affects soft tissue handling, surgical time, scarring and recovery. Minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) and intramedullary techniques aim to preserve blood supply to fracture fragments and reduce soft tissue trauma. Traditional open approaches provide direct visualisation which may be necessary for severely comminuted or intra-articular fractures.

Selecting the approach is a patient-specific decision. In Mohali, surgeons at Livasa Hospitals balance the need for anatomical reduction with soft tissue preservation and cost considerations to recommend the best approach for each individual.

ORIF surgery cost in Mohali and Punjab: what to expect

Cost is frequently the top concern for patients. The overall expense for ORIF at a hospital in Mohali includes multiple components: surgeon fees, anaesthesia fees, implant cost, operating theatre charges, hospital stay, imaging, medications, and postoperative physiotherapy. The term “ORIF surgery cost Mohali” is commonly searched because local price ranges and package offers vary.

Typical price ranges (approximate and for guidance only) seen across Mohali and Punjab:

• Distal radius (wrist) ORIF: INR 50,000 – 1,40,000 depending on plate type and hospital package (ORIF distal radius cost Mohali).
• Tibial shaft/femur ORIF with intramedullary nail: INR 70,000 – 2,50,000 depending on nail brand and hospital stay (intramedullary nail cost Mohali).
• Plate and screw fixation (complex periarticular fractures): INR 80,000 – 3,00,000 depending on implant complexity (plate and screw fixation cost Mohali).
• Open fractures or multiple injuries: Costs increase due to staged surgeries, longer stays, antibiotics and wound care; can exceed INR 3,00,000 in complex cases.

Several factors influence cost:

• Type and brand of implant (titanium locking plates and branded nails cost more).
• Complexity of the fracture and need for additional procedures (bone grafting, soft-tissue flaps).
• Duration of hospital stay and ICU care if needed.
• Surgeon experience and anaesthesia choice.
• Preoperative investigations and postoperative physiotherapy requirements.

For patients seeking affordability, Livasa Mohali offers transparent packages and several options for affordable ORIF surgery Mohali while using high-quality implants and experienced trauma surgeons. Insurance coverage often applies for trauma-related ORIF; our administrative team at Livasa can assist with hospital pre-authorisation and queries.

Recovery after ORIF surgery Mohali: timeline, physiotherapy and complications

Recovery is a staged process: wound healing, bone healing, gradual return of motion and strength, and functional rehabilitation. Typical recovery milestones after ORIF vary by fracture location and fixation method, but general expectations are:

• Immediate (first 48–72 hours): Pain control, wound checks, DVT prevention measures, and initiation of passive or active-assisted motion as allowed.
• First 2 weeks: Wound healing; sutures removed at 10–14 days; ongoing analgesia and protection of the limb.
• 2–6 weeks: Progressive strengthening and range-of-motion exercises. Partial weight-bearing for lower-limb fractures as advised by the surgeon and physiotherapist.
• 6–12 weeks: Radiographic signs of bone healing appear; increased physiotherapy intensity; many patients return to light daily activities.
• 3–6 months: Functional recovery for most fractures; return to many occupational tasks and recreational activities. High-demand activities may take longer.

Physiotherapy after ORIF in Mohali (physiotherapy after ORIF Mohali) is indispensable. A tailored rehabilitation program focuses on:

• Pain control and swelling reduction (ice, elevation, modalities)
• Early joint mobilisation to prevent stiffness
• Progressive loading and gait training for lower-limb fractures
• Strengthening exercises and proprioception training
• Work-specific and sport-specific conditioning

Potential complications—while uncommon with proper technique and postoperative care—include infection, non-union or delayed union, hardware irritation or failure, neurovascular injury, and post-traumatic arthritis for joint fractures. Smoking, diabetes and poor nutrition increase complication risks. At Livasa Mohali, multidisciplinary follow-up with orthopaedic surgeons, physiotherapists and nursing staff minimises these risks through early detection and intervention.

How to choose the best orthopaedic trauma surgeon and centre in Mohali

Selecting the right surgeon and hospital affects outcomes. Look for these qualities:

• Specialist training and experience: Board-certified orthopaedic surgeons with subspecialty training or extensive experience in trauma and fracture fixation.
• Volume and outcomes: Centres that manage a high volume of trauma cases generally have better logistics and outcomes—search for best orthopaedic trauma centre in Punjab or best orthopaedic surgeon Mohali.
• Comprehensive care: Availability of 24/7 emergency services, imaging (CT, MRI), operating theatre capability, anaesthesia, and critical care support.
• Rehabilitation services: Onsite physiotherapy and occupational therapy services to support recovery.
• Transparent communication and cost estimation: Clear explanation of procedure, risks, expected recovery and a written cost estimate or package.

Livasa Mohali positions itself as an integrated orthopaedic and trauma centre in Mohali, with experienced trauma surgeons, modern operation theatres, and a dedicated physiotherapy team. Patients looking for an orthopaedic trauma surgeon Mohali or searching “ORIF hospital near me Mohali” can contact Livasa for consultation. Our team provides second opinions, preoperative counselling, and helps with insurance and package planning. For appointments call +91 80788 80788 or book online at Livasa Hospitals appointment.

Alternatives to ORIF, emergency ORIF and frequently asked questions

Not every fracture requires ORIF. Common alternatives include:

• Conservative treatment: Casting, bracing or functional orthoses for certain stable or minimally displaced fractures.
• External fixation: Used temporarily in the emergency setting for open or contaminated fractures or when soft tissue swelling prevents immediate ORIF.
• Arthroplasty: In elderly patients with complex joint fractures (for example proximal humerus or femoral neck in select cases), joint replacement may be considered instead of ORIF.

Emergency ORIF may be required in the following scenarios:

• Open fractures with bone exposed and contamination.
• Fractures with neurovascular compromise requiring urgent decompression and stabilisation.
• Polytrauma patients where stabilisation of long-bone fractures aids systemic recovery.

Frequently asked questions:

• How long is hospital stay after ORIF? For uncomplicated cases, 1–4 days is common; complex cases or open fractures may require longer stays.
• Will I feel the hardware? Some patients feel mild prominence or irritation; removal is considered only if symptomatic after fracture healing.
• Is ORIF permanent? Implants often remain permanently unless they cause problems. In children, hardware may be removed after healing as indicated.
• Can I work after ORIF? Return to work depends on the job’s physical demands; sedentary work can often resume earlier while heavy labour may require months.

If you are in Mohali and wondering how much does ORIF surgery cost in Mohali or which orthopaedic trauma surgeon Punjab to consult, a preoperative consultation at Livasa Mohali will provide a personalised plan and cost estimate.

Why choose Livasa Mohali for fracture fixation and ORIF?

Choosing a centre for trauma care involves trust. Livasa Mohali combines experienced orthopaedic trauma surgeons, modern operating rooms, advanced imaging and a multidisciplinary rehabilitation team. Patients benefit from:

• Experienced surgeons: Orthopaedic trauma surgeons trained in latest fixation techniques and perioperative care.
• Advanced implants and instrumentation: Offering both cost-effective and premium implant choices with transparent pricing.
• Comprehensive post-discharge rehabilitation: Individualised physiotherapy plans to ensure optimal recovery and minimise stiffness and weakness.
• 24/7 emergency services: For urgent fractures and timely surgical intervention when needed (emergency ORIF surgery Mohali).
• Patient-centred approach: Clear communication, written estimates, insurance assistance and follow-up care coordination.

For appointments or queries, patients and families in Mohali, Chandigarh and surrounding areas can contact Livasa Mohali on +91 80788 80788 or use the online booking portal: Book an appointment with Livasa Hospitals. Livasa also provides educational counselling so you understand the implant options, expected recovery and physiotherapy plan.

Conclusion and next steps

ORIF is a highly effective surgical solution for many displaced and unstable fractures. In Mohali and across Punjab, patients seeking reliable fracture fixation should weigh implant options, recovery demands and cost. Important takeaways:

• ORIF restores anatomy and stability, enabling early mobilisation and reducing long-term disability for appropriate fracture types.
• Implant choice (plates and screws vs intramedullary nail vs external fixator) is driven by fracture location, patient factors and surgeon expertise.
• Costs in Mohali vary widely; obtaining a hospital package and clear implant pricing helps avoid surprises—search terms like ORIF surgery package Mohali or fracture fixation surgery cost Punjab will return many options, but speak directly with your chosen centre for a personalised estimate.
• Recovery requires a structured physiotherapy program; early involvement of rehabilitation specialists improves outcomes (ORIF recovery time Punjab, physiotherapy after ORIF Mohali).

Disclaimer: The cost figures and timelines in this article are indicative and vary by individual clinical needs. Final treatment decisions and package pricing are determined after clinical evaluation by the treating orthopaedic trauma surgeon at Livasa Mohali.