The digitizer and LCD are fused together at the factory with industrial adhesives. While it is theoretically possible to separate them and re-adhere an unbroken digitizer to the LCD screen, in practice this requires specialized tools, and is seldom worth the cost to pay those who do have the tools and expertise, as the repair would cost as much as the device. Replacing the LCD/Digitizer is the most economical, but replacing the entire display assembly including the frame is apparently possible and avoids the step of heating the adhesive tape securing the display unit to the frame.

Good tip on the orange ribbon cable, it does not typically come with the spare part when purchasing the LCD/Digitizer replacement.

The frame is attached to the LCD/Digitizer by a layer of double-sided adhesive tape, essentially, or more accurately several pieces of tape. It's very important, once you get to the last step, to HEAT the edges (I used a hairdryer on high) and SLOWLY pry more and more away using proper plastic spudges. I learned the hard way that you can easily shatter the screen if you rush this step. You can still remove all the bits, but it's time consuming, and if you simply accept going slowly, you will actually save time.