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Jul 17, 2023 · What is a closed reduction? A closed reduction is a procedure to line up the ends of a broken (fractured) bone without the need for surgery. This will help the fractured bone heal correctly. It may be done right after your injury or several days later.
Feb 3, 2022 · Definition and Overview. A fracture reduction is an orthopedic procedure used in the treatment of bone fractures and dislocations. Its purpose is to correct problems that affect the alignment of the bones. While the term “reduction” implies a removal or decrease, the etymology of the word itself translates to “returning back to normal”.
Treatment. Fracture Reduction. What is a closed reduction of a broken bone? A closed reduction is a procedure to line up the ends of a broken (fractured) bone without the need for surgery. This will help the fractured bone heal correctly. It may be done right after your injury or several days later. How it's done.
- Overview
- Self-care at Home
- Activity
- Cast Care
- Follow-up
- When to Call the Doctor
- Alternative Names
- References
- Review Date 6/8/2022
Closed reduction is a procedure to set (reduce) a broken bone without surgery. It allows the bone to grow back together with better alignment. It can be done by an orthopedic surgeon (bone doctor) or a primary care provider who has experience doing this procedure.
After the procedure, your broken limb will be placed in a cast.
Healing can take anywhere from 8 to 12 weeks. How quickly you heal will depend on:
•Your age
•The size of the bone that broke
•The type of break
Rest your limb (arm or leg) as much as possible. When you are resting, raise your limb above the level of your heart. You can prop it up on pillows, a chair, a footstool, or something else.
Do not place rings on your fingers or toes on the same arm and leg until your health care provider tells you it is OK.
You may have some pain the first few days after getting a cast. Using an ice pack can help.
Check with your provider about taking over-the-counter medicines for pain such as:
•Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
•Naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn)
Until your provider tells you it is OK, do not:
•Drive
•Play sports
•Do exercises that could injure your limb
General care guidelines for your cast include:
•Keep your cast dry.
•Do not put anything inside your cast.
•Do not put powder or lotion on your skin beneath your cast.
•Do not remove the padding around the edges of your cast or break off part of your cast.
•Do not scratch under your cast.
You will likely have a follow-up visit with your provider 5 days to 2 weeks after your closed reduction.
Your provider may want you to start physical therapy or do other gentle movements while you heal. This will help keep your injured limb and other limbs from getting too weak or stiff.
Call your provider if your cast:
•Feels too tight or too loose
•Makes your skin itch, burn, or hurt in any way
•Cracks or becomes soft
Also call your provider if you have any signs of infection. Some of these are:
•Fever or chills
Fracture reduction - closed - aftercare; Cast care
Waddell JP, Wardlaw D, Stevenson IM, McMillan TE, et al. Closed fracture management. In: Browner BD, Jupiter JB, Krettek C, Anderson PA, eds. Skeletal Trauma: Basic Science, Management, and Reconstruction. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 7.
Whittle AP. General principles of fracture treatment. In: Azar FM, Beaty JH, eds. Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics. 14th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 53.
Updated by: C. Benjamin Ma, MD, Professor, Chief, Sports Medicine and Shoulder Service, UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, San Francisco, CA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Fracture reduction - closed. What are the Benefits of a Closed Reduction? A closed reduction can: Remove tension on the skin and reduce swelling. Improve the chances that your limb will function normally and you will be able to use it normally when it heals. Decrease pain. Help your bone heal quickly and be strong when it heals.
Jul 12, 2020 · Further reading. Author Paul Szypryt. 2.10 Reduction techniques. 2.10.1 Definition of fracture reduction. Fracture reduction is the exact or near restoration of the correct position of fracture fragments, in other words restoring the anatomical shape of a broken bone.
Casting Principles. Common Closed Reductions. Skeletal Traction Principles. Why Closed Reduction? Improve Fracture alignment and add stability. Pain management. Soft tissue protection and swelling. Treatment planning. Closed Reduction Principles. Prior to Reduction: H&P. ABC’s. Evaluate skin, neurovascular status, and compartments. Anesthesia type.
