Closed reduction is just one of the many treatment modalities provided by the orthopedic surgeons of Asian Hospital and Medical Center.
Broken and dislocated bones don’t always have to be treated surgically. Orthopedic surgeons can manipulate fractured bones and dislocated joints from the outside of the body to correctly position them without making an incision to access the fracture site. This method of fracture treatment is called “closed reduction”.
An orthopedic surgeon first takes x-rays to determine the nature and position of the fracture or dislocation. Complex fractures and serious dislocations require surgery. If the injury is simple enough, closed reduction may be considered. However, the orthopedic surgeon still has to weigh the risks and benefits of attempting a closed reduction.
Closed reduction is the preferred option in many cases because of the advantages it provides. It is noninvasive, which can hasten healing. Because no surgery is done, there is less risk of infection and other post-op complications, and there is no scarring, which can be a concern for some patients.
Before undergoing a closed reduction, the patient is given pain medications. Although many fractures are reduced using sedation or local or regional anesthesia in an emergency room or clinic, some patients must be given general anesthesia in the operating room in order to provide better pain control and muscle relaxation. Once the patient is sufficiently anesthetized, the orthopedic surgeon carefully manipulates the bones to set them back together. Patients usually experience a significant reduction in pain once a fracture has been reduced.
Once a closed reduction is complete, the orthopedic surgeon takes a second set of x-rays to confirm that the bones are properly set. This confirmation is important because bones that are not positioned appropriately will heal improperly, which can cause complications such as limb shortening and joint weakness.
To ensure the bones set properly and do not shift during healing, the orthopedic surgeon immobilizes the affected limb or joint with a plaster cast. In some cases, percutaneous pins are inserted using specialized equipment to allow for a more direct and more stable control of the fracture fragments. This procedure still does not need any incision and in most cases are more comfortable than a cast. Special splints may also be used to support the immobilization and healing of unstable reductions. The patient will be asked to undergo several more x-rays in the next 2 to 3 weeks to ensure the bones are healing properly.
The orthopedic surgeons of Asian Hospital and Medical Center utilize both non-surgical and surgical treatment modalities. They provide world-class orthopedic care of soft tissue sprains and strains; fractures and dislocations of the bones and joints of the upper extremity and lower extremities, pelvic and shoulder girdle and poly-trauma cases.
Closed reduction is just one of the many treatment modalities provided by the orthopedic surgeons of Asian Hospital and Medical Center (AHMC). Using the latest surgical equipment and techniques, its staff of world-class and highly trained orthopedic surgeons delivers excellent, research-oriented, innovative and patient-centered services and care.
To consult our doctors for further information email at info@asianhospital.com.