This procedure is done to return a broken bone to its proper alignment. A closed fracture reduction involves setting the bone without cutting into the skin.
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 will usually give you local anesthesia to numb the area; it is given as an injection. You may also be given a sedative.
In some cases, general anesthesia will be used. You will be asleep during the procedure if this is the case.
The bone fragments will be manipulated into their normal position. The doctor will apply traction and use a cast or splint to hold the bones in place. No incisions are needed.
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 some pain after the procedure. Ask your doctor about medicine to help with the pain.
You will usually be able to go home after the procedure.
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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