This procedure is done to return a broken bone to its proper alignment. An open fracture reduction involves cutting through the skin to realign the bones. It is used if the bone is in many pieces or is difficult to reduce. Screws and a plate may be needed to hold the fragments in place.
Fracture reduction is done for the following reasons:
Complications are rare, but no procedure is completely free of risk. If you are planning to have a fracture reduction, your doctor will review a list of possible complications, which may include:
Factors that may increase the risk of complications include:
Be sure to discuss these risks with your doctor before the procedure.
Your doctor will likely do the following:
Leading up to the procedure:
Your doctor may give you:
The doctor will make a cut in the skin covering the break. This is to expose the bone fragments. The bone fragments will be moved into their normal position. Screws, a plate with screws, or a rod may be used to hold the bones in place. The doctor will close the incision with stitches. The area will be protected with a splint or cast and dressings.
The doctor will order another x-ray to ensure the bone is in the correct position.
This depends on the type and location of the fracture.
You will have pain after the procedure. Ask your doctor about medicine to help with the pain.
0-3 days (depending on the severity of the injury and your recovery)
When you return home, do the following to help ensure a smooth recovery:
Small bones usually heal in 3-6 weeks. Long bones will take more time. Your doctor may have you work with a physical therapist. He can help you to regain normal function. In some cases, you may be able to return to daily activities within a few days while wearing the cast or splint.
After you leave the hospital, contact your doctor if any of the following occurs:
In case of an emergency, CALL 911.
RESOURCES:
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
http://www.aaos.org/
American Orthopedic Society
http://www.sportsmed.org/tabs/Index.aspx/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Orthopaedic Association
http://www.coa-aco.org/
Canadian Orthopaedic Foundation
http://www.canorth.org/
References:
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons website. Available at: http://www.aaos.org/. Accessed September 2, 2009.
Setting a broken bone without surgery (closed reduction). University of Michigan Health System website. Available at: http://www.med.umich.edu/1libr/aha/aha_clored_crs.htm. Updated January 2008. Accessed September 2, 2009.
¹10/30/2009 DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what.php: Gosselin RA, Roberts I, Gillespie WJ. Antibiotics for preventing infection in open limb fractures. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2009;(4):CD003764.
Last reviewed November 2009 by Robert E. Leach, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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