Definition - What does Reduction of Fracture mean?
A reduction of fracture is the term used to describe a medical procedure in which broken bones are set, or reduced. Fractures of bone can result from a number of workplace injuries, including stress placed on the bone from situations such as poor ergonomics, or a sudden strike to the bone. A reduction of fracture may be either closed or open. A closed reduction is done without the use of surgery. In an open reduction, the broken bone is corrected surgically. Reduction of fracture is also called a fracture reduction.
SureHire explains Reduction of Fracture
The reduction of fracture procedure realigns a broken bone, restoring its position. Ideally, this procedure will set the broken bone back into its correct location so that it can heal, preserving the bone's length and range of motion. Closed reduction of fracture is achieved through externally pushing and pulling on the bone using a procedure called traction. An open reduction is a surgical repair performed when external force is not sufficient to properly align the bone, or when the injury results in an open wound. In either an open or closed reduction of fracture, care must be taken to assure that nerves and blood vessels are not damaged. External fixation hardware, internal fixation hardware, a splint, or cast may be used after the reduction of fracture is completed in order to hold the bone in position during the healing process.
