What is osteosynthesis?

Osteosynthesis is a surgical procedure used in traumatology and orthopedics to stabilize and join bone fragments after a fracture or injury. Specialized medical implants such as plates, screws, intramedullary nails, pins, or external fixators are used to achieve this.

The main objective of osteosynthesis is to maintain proper bone alignment during the bone healing process, promoting adequate functional recovery and reducing complications associated with fracture displacement.

Currently, osteosynthesis represents one of the cornerstones of modern orthopedic surgery thanks to advances in biomaterials and surgical techniques.

Types of osteosynthesis

Osteosynthesis can be classified according to the implant location and the technique used to stabilize the fractured bone.

The main types of osteosynthesis are:

• Internal osteosynthesis

• External osteosynthesis

The choice of method depends on factors such as:

• Type of fracture

• Degree of bone displacement

• Soft tissue condition

• Patient age

• Risk of infection

• Stability required

Each technique offers specific advantages depending on the clinical context and the therapeutic objective.

Internal osteosynthesis

Internal osteosynthesis involves placing implants inside the body through an open or minimally invasive surgical procedure.

The most commonly used devices include:

• Osteosynthesis plates

• Cortical screws

• Cannulated screws

• Intramedullary nails

• Kirschner wires

• Locking systems

This technique provides high mechanical stability, allowing in many cases early mobilization of the patient and a faster functional recovery.

Internal osteosynthesis is widely used in fractures of:

• Femur

• Tibia

• Distal radius

• Clavicle

• Humerus

• Hip

External osteosynthesis

External osteosynthesis uses fixation devices located outside the body and connected to the bone via pins or transcutaneous screws.

This system allows for the stabilization of complex fractures without the need for extensive surgical intervention in the injured area.

External fixation is commonly used in cases such as:

• Open fractures

• Severe trauma

• Injuries with significant soft tissue damage

• Polytrauma patients

• Bone infections

• Orthopedic corrections

Among its advantages are:

• Less invasive initial surgery

• Easier access to complex wounds

• Temporary or permanent fracture control

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Osteosynthesis materials

Osteosynthesis materials are implants designed to provide mechanical stability and biocompatibility within the body.

The most commonly used materials are:

Titanium

Titanium is widely used due to its high biocompatibility, corrosion resistance, and light weight. Furthermore, it causes less interference in imaging studies.

Surgical stainless steel

It offers great mechanical resistance and durability, being one of the most used materials in traumatology.

Special alloys

Some modern technologies incorporate advanced alloys designed to improve biomechanical adaptation and reduce complications.

Implants can come in different forms:

• Plates

• Screws

• Nails

• Fasteners

• Staples

• Locking Systems

Complications of osteosynthesis

Although osteosynthesis is considered a safe and highly effective procedure, some associated complications can occur.

The most frequent include:

• Surgical site infection

• Implant loosening

• Delayed bone healing

• Pseudoarthrosis

• Persistent pain

• Soft tissue irritation

• Mechanical material failure

• Neurovascular injury

  
  

The risk of complications may vary depending on:

• Type of fracture

• Technique used

• Bone quality

• General condition of the patient

• Compliance with the rehabilitation process

Proper medical follow-up is essential to detect and treat any disorder early.

Removal of osteosynthesis material

Removal of osteosynthesis material is a surgical procedure in which previously placed implants are extracted after bone consolidation.

Not all implants require removal. The decision depends on specific clinical factors such as:

• Persistent pain

• Infection

• Mechanical irritation

• Functional limitation

• Reactions to the material

• Need for further surgery

In many patients, implants can remain in place permanently without causing problems.

Removal should be performed under the supervision of a specialist physician, considering the risks and benefits for each individual case.

Historical evolution of osteosynthesis

The evolution of osteosynthesis has significantly transformed fracture management throughout the history of medicine.

Early attempts at bone fixation used rudimentary materials such as:

• Wires

• Metallic sutures

• Homemade devices

With the advancement of modern surgery and biomechanics, more sophisticated systems emerged that improved stability and reduced complications.

During the 20th century, the development of:

• Compression plates

• Specialized screws

• Intramedullary nails

• Locking systems

• Advanced biomaterials

It marked a turning point in modern traumatology.

Currently, techniques continue to evolve toward less invasive, more precise, and biomechanically efficient procedures.

Difference between osteosynthesis and arthroplasty

Although both procedures belong to the field of orthopedics and traumatology, there are important differences between osteosynthesis and arthroplasty.

Osteosynthesis

Osteosynthesis aims to preserve natural bone by stabilizing a fracture with temporary or permanent medical implants.

Its main objective is to allow the bone to heal properly.

Arthroplasty

Arthroplasty involves the partial or total replacement of a joint with an artificial prosthesis.

It is primarily used in:

• Advanced osteoarthritis

• Severe joint degeneration

• Some complex fractures

• Degenerative diseases

Main difference

The main difference is that:

• Osteosynthesis preserves and stabilizes existing bone.

• Arthroplasty replaces a damaged joint with a prosthesis.

Both procedures can significantly improve the patient's mobility, function, and quality of life depending on the clinical condition being treated.

OSTEONORTE SAS offers solutions and implants for osteosynthesis and traumatology procedures in Colombia.