Closed reduction of a fractured bone

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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.

What Are the Benefits of a Closed Reduction?

A closed reduction can:

• Help your bone heal quickly and be strong when it heals
• Decrease pain
• Improve the chances that your limb will look normal and you will be able to use it normally when it heals
• Lower the risk of an infection in the bone

Possible Risks During a Closed Reduction

Your health care provider will talk with you about the possible risks of a closed reduction. Some are:

• The nerves and other soft tissues near your bone may be injured.
• A blood clot could form, and it could travel to your lungs or another part of your body.
• You could have an allergic reaction to the pain medicine you receive.
• If the reduction does not work, you will need surgery.

Your risk of any of these problems is greater if you:

• Smoke
• Take steroids (such as cortisone), birth control pills, or other hormones (such as insulin)
• Are older
• Have other health conditions

About the Procedure

An open reduction is painful. You will receive medicine to block the pain during the procedure. You might receive:

• A local anesthetic or nerve block to numb the area (usually given as a shot)
• A sedative to make you relaxed but not asleep (usually given through an IV, or intravenous line)
• General anesthesia to make you sleep during the procedure

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:

• You will have an x-ray to make sure the bone is in the right position.
• A cast will be put on your limb to keep the bone in the right position and protect it while it heals.

After Your Procedure

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.

Alternate Names

Fracture reduction - closed