What Is a Closed Reduction of the Wrist

Closed reduction is a procedure to set (reduce) a broken bone without cutting the skin open. The broken bone is put back in place, which allows it to grow back together. It works best when it is done as soon as possible after the bone breaks.

How do you perform a closed reduction?

The doctor will push or pull the ends of the fractured bone until they line up. This part of the procedure is called reduction. Then your doctor will put a cast or splint on the affected arm or leg to help hold the bone in place while it heals. The doctor will take an X-ray to check that the bone is properly lined up.

What is the difference between an open and a closed reduction of a fracture?

During an open reduction, orthopedic surgeons reposition the pieces of your fractured bone surgically so that your bones are back in their proper alignment. In a closed reduction, a doctor physically moves the bones back into place without surgically exposing the bone.