✦ Percutaneous Fracture Surgery

CRIF (Closed Reduction & Internal Fixation)

Q: What fractures suit closed fixation?

Wrist, hand, foot, ankle and paediatric long-bone fractures often respond well — when closed manipulation can restore alignment and wires hold.

Q: How is closed reduction achieved?

Manual traction, rotation and direct pressure under fluoroscopy realign bone fragments. Alignment is confirmed on imaging before fixation.

Q: Are casts still used after CRIF?

Often yes — a short cast or splint protects the fixation during early healing. Cast duration depends on fracture pattern and stability achieved.

Q: Can CRIF fail and require open surgery?

Occasionally yes. If closed reduction cannot restore alignment, conversion to open reduction with internal fixation is done in the same surgery.

A displaced fracture is realigned externally and stabilised through tiny stab incisions using percutaneous wires, screws or nails under live X-ray — preserving fracture biology for faster healing.

45–60 min PROCEDURE

1–3 Days HOSPITAL STAY

>90% SUCCESS RATE

6–10 Weeks HEALING TIME

What is CRIF (Closed Reduction & Internal Fixation)?

CRIF (Closed Reduction and Internal Fixation) is a minimally invasive fracture treatment that combines external manual reduction of the fracture with percutaneous internal fixation — using K-wires, screws, nails or percutaneously slid plates introduced through tiny stab incisions under live fluoroscopic guidance. Because the fracture site itself is never opened, the haematoma and surrounding soft-tissue blood supply are preserved, supporting faster biological healing. Dr. Hithesh performs CRIF in Hyderabad for displaced fractures of the wrist, hand, foot, ankle and selected paediatric long bones, achieving excellent outcomes with minimal scarring and quicker recovery than open surgery.

Indicated for displaced fractures of wrist, hand, foot, ankle and paediatric long bones — where closed manipulation can achieve acceptable alignment and percutaneous fixation provides adequate construct stability.

How the Procedure Works

Anaesthesia & Preparation

General, regional or local anaesthesia is delivered; the limb is positioned and draped in standard sterile surgical fashion comfortably.

Closed Reduction

The fracture is realigned through gentle external manipulation, traction and rotation under continuous fluoroscopic guidance and live visualisation.

Percutaneous Fixation

Through tiny stab incisions, K-wires, screws, nails or slid plates are inserted across the fracture without opening the haematoma.

Confirmation Imaging

Fluoroscopic images in multiple planes confirm satisfactory alignment and stable fixation before completing the percutaneous fixation surgery procedure.

Closure & Recovery

Tiny stab incisions are closed with sutures or steri-strips; cast or splint may be applied; structured rehabilitation begins.

Outcomes

45–60 minDURATION

1–3 DaysHOSPITAL STAY

>90%SUCCESS RATE

6–10 WeeksHEALING TIME

Who Needs This Treatment?

→Minimally invasive with tiny stab incisions and very small scars
→Preserves the fracture haematoma and surrounding soft-tissue blood supply
→Faster biological healing thanks to preserved local fracture biology
→Significantly less scarring compared to traditional open ORIF surgery
→Lower wound infection risk because skin envelope stays largely undisturbed
→Highly successful procedure with excellent functional outcomes for patients

The best fracture surgery sometimes leaves the smallest mark. CRIF respects biology, spares soft tissues and gets patients moving sooner — it embodies modern minimally invasive philosophy beautifully.

— — Dr. Bathini Hithesh, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Trauma & Joint Replacement Specialist, Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What fractures suit closed fixation?+

How is closed reduction achieved?+

Are casts still used after CRIF?+

Can CRIF fail and require open surgery?+

Not sure which treatment is right for you?

Book a consultation with Dr. Bathini Hithesh and get a personalised treatment plan.

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