Word parts
What it means
The surgical specialty that repairs the musculoskeletal system. Common operations are fixing fractures, as in ORIFOR-if, or said as lettersOpen reduction internal fixation: surgery that opens the skin to line up a broken bone and hold it with plates, screws or rods.Full entry , hip and knee replacements, arthroscopy, spine surgery and tendon repairs.
For the nurse
After surgery, check circulation, movement and feeling in the limb beyond the operation (neurovascular checks) often, and report increasing pain, numbness, coolness or pale color. Prevent blood clots with early movement, compression devices and anticoagulants as ordered.