Closed reduction is a procedure to set (reduce) a broken bone without surgery. This allows the bone to grow back together. It works best when it is done as soon as possible after the bone breaks.
A closed reduction can be done by an orthopedic surgeon (bone doctor) or a primary care provider who has experience doing this procedure.
A closed reduction can:
Your health care provider will talk with you about the possible risks of a closed reduction. Some are:
Your risk of any of these problems is greater if you:
An open reduction is painful. You will receive medicine to block the pain during the procedure. You might receive:
After you receive pain medicine, your health care provider will set the bone in the right position by pushing or pulling the bone. This is called traction.
After the bone is set:
If you do not have other injuries or problems, you will be able to go home a few hours after the procedure.
Do not place rings on your fingers or toes until your health care provider tells you it is safe to do so.
Fracture reduction - closed
Fractures: general management In: Mercier LR, ed. Practical Orthopedics. 6th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2008:chap 2.
General principles of fracture care. In: Eiff MP, Hatch R, eds. Fracture Management for Primary Care. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap 2.
Updated by: Jacob L. Heller, MD, MHA, Emergency Medicine, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M. Health Solutions, Ebix, Inc.
MedlinePlus Topics
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 1997-2012, A.D.A.M., Inc. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized in writing by ADAM Health Solutions.